A new breast screening facility has opened at York Hospital to improve patient care and experience.
The official opening was marked by an event hosted by York & Scarbrough Hospitals Charity.
The unveiling is particularly poignant as it is currently Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease.
The new unit is located in the Magnolia Centre at York Hospital.
The improvements were made possible due to a contribution of over £70,000 from York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity.
The new facility replaces the unit previously housed on Clarence Street.
Guests at the grand unveiling included charity donors, fundraisers and former staff who have supported the breast service in the Magnolia Centre.
The breast screening service has been distributed to the local population since 1989, which started in the former two-room department and one mobile screening unit.
Over the last 35 years the service has grown with population growth and technology advancements. It now delivers screening to over 90,000 clients eligible for screening on a three yearly cycle.
Three mobile units now also serve the community screening at various locations across the region. The York site provides assessment and diagnosis with modern equipment, a well staffed department and access to the latest research trials.
Simon Morritt, chief executive of York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, thanked donors and staff during the ceremony.
He said: “A big thank you to the incredibly generous donors and fundraisers who have kindly supported the department over the past few years.
“It has taken a while to get this new facility established with a few false starts, pausing whilst other services were relocated, before finding this fantastic new permanent home.
“It cannot be underestimated how much this new facility will be valued and appreciated. The public’s support enables the charity to fund projects to improve patient care and experience.”
The North Yorkshire breast screening service has one of the highest uptake rates in the region, consistently performing across all key performance indicators reflecting the dedication, hard work, and innovation from the team.
In 2023, the department diagnosed 256 cancers in clients with no symptoms.
Debbie Brian, breast imaging unit manager, said: “This facility will make a great difference to those offered breast screening in York. A dedicated facility in a lovely environment is perfect. Breast screening is such an important health care tool and is quick and easy.
She added: “Our dedicated York team can support you through your screening journey from booking the appointments to getting your results. We are all so pleased to open this new facility to continue delivering a high-quality screening programme to the residents of York and the surrounding areas.
“We would like to express our gratitude to York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity and those who have raised funds.”
Rachel Brook, head of York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity, said: “We are very proud to support this new facility and are incredibly grateful to all the supporters who made this possible.”