Cancer clinic bus coming to Larne

The facility will be hosted by Menarys at its premises in Laharna Retail Park, Circular Road, Larne on Tuesday, September 15.

The mobile clinic, whose main sponsor is retail group SuperValu and its independent retailers, was launched in 2006 to help Action Cancer save lives and support people.

The articulated vehicle with expanding side pods, houses cancer prevention and early detection services and staff on the unit also provide information about support services.

Action Cancer Big Bus Coordinator Seán Conlon would encourage the public to take advantage of the service.

“The Big Bus has become a well-known and valuable health resource for men and women throughout Northern Ireland, delivering life-saving services right to their doorstep,” he said.

Donna Morrison who is the SuperValu marketing manager is proud that they can support the charity scheme.

“SuperValu has been in partnership with Action Cancer for 12 years in support of the charity’s mobile services. We are extremely proud to play our part in the Big Bus service and to help Action Cancer make an impact on the health of local communities throughout Northern Ireland,” she said.

The bus provides a number of services including, digital breast screening for women aged between 40 and 49 and over 70, health promotion and MOT health checks for men and women. A full body composition analysis using the latest technology provides clients with information on their height, weight, body mass index and more, and also offers health awareness and weight loss guidance.

Big Bus staff can provide information on complementary therapies and other cancer support services such as counselling, a Listening Ear Service, and support groups, which are available for cancer patients, their carers and families at a number of locations.

Anyone interested in making an appointment for the Big Bus can call 028 9080 3344, or go to www.actioncancer.org, and follow the ‘online booking’ link on the home page. Appointments will be available from 10am to 3pm each day. Bookings are taken on a first come first served basis as there are a limited number of appointments for all services.