Northern Trust breast screening services to resume

The Trust stated: “Invitations will be sent to women of screening age 50 – 70 years starting with overdue appointments first. Appointments may not be offered at your usual location, please check your appointment letter carefully for details.

“Social distancing and infection control measures have been put in place to maximise safety at your screening appointment.”

The announcement has been welcomed by South Antrim MLA Pam Cameron, who is vice-chair of the Northern Ireland Health Committee.

The DUP representative said: “Breast screening checks save hundreds of lives every year across the UK through early detection. The temporary pause due to Covid-19, whilst understandable in the difficult circumstances, was concerning and therefore I am very glad to see the Trust now in a position to resume this service with effort being made to clear the backlog of overdue or previously cancelled appointments.

“As our health service’s capacity increases again in line with reduced rate of Covid cases, there is a responsibility to refocus and ramp-up services toward other threats to the local population. In this regard, I and my colleagues will continue to work with the minister to promote safe and accessible environments for the full resumption of vital cancer screening, treatment and surgery.

“The Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has been very clear in the need for a safe and phased resumption of various services provided within the health trusts. Cancer related services must be a core priority for this recovery.”

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