Breast Services

NHS Breast Screening Program Postponed

The NHS Breast Screening Program has now officially been postponed for an initial 3 month period as directed by the Director of PHA.

Anyone who has an appointment we ask that you contact us to ensure we have up to date contact details. This also applies to anyone under surgical review and Family History programs that get annual mammograms. (Contact Details at bottom of page)

We ensure that all appointments will be rescheduled in due course.

Our Service

The Western Trust Breast Service provides both a screening and symptomatic service, providing specialist care for patients with breast cancer and non-cancer conditions.

The Western Trust currently has three General Consultant Surgeons with breast speciality working in Altnagelvin Hospital:

Mr Padraig Diggin

Mr Michael Harron

Mr Ron Thompson

These Surgeons provide services at the symptomatic clinics and the screening assessment clinics. Reconstructive breast surgery is also available in Altnagelvin Hospital.

There is one Full time and two Part time Breast Care Nurse Specialists and one Part time Advanced Nurse Practitioner employed by the Western Trust who can provide information, support and help to patients who have or fear they have breast cancer. They have offices in the Breast Screening Unit and also in the North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Hospital.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Breast Team is available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. If you wish to speak with a CNS prior to your appointment please contact us on 028 7161 1187.

Breast Screening Program

The Breast Screening Service is part of the National Breast Screening Program that provides free breast screening for ladies between the ages of 50-70.

Mobile Screening Unit

The Western Trust has two mobile screening units used for the screening program to deliver the service throughout the trust catchment area.

Symptomatic Service

The Symptomatic Service is a one stop triple assessment out-patient clinic based in Altnagelvin. Anyone requiring this service will be referred by their GP.

Over 70s

Any lady who is over the age of 70 is still entitled to have their routine screening mammogram every 3 years.

Family History Clinic

The Family History Clinics are led by the Breast Care Nurse Practitioner and supported by the Breast Clinicians.