Following a pause to the Somerset Breast Screening Programme as a result of COVID-19, we are pleased to announce that the screening programme will recommence on Monday 13 July.
We would like to apologise to everybody for having to wait longer for your appointment. We recommend that you now attend your next scheduled appointment and want to assure you that we will have a range of measures in place to help protect you from coronavirus – further details of these measures will be sent to you with your appointment letter.
Because of the Coronavirus outbreak and in line with national guidance due to the large backlog of women needing screening, we have decided that for now, we will only screen women in the routine screening age (50 to their 71st birthday). This situation is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. There will be a small number of women outside of this group who will receive an invitation as we recommence the service as they would have received an appointment shortly after the suspension therefore we are honouring these appointments.
If you have any concerns about unusual changes to your breasts, please speak with your GP as soon as possible. They will be able to refer you for tests if necessary.
Our dedicated team of doctors, advanced nurse practitioners, breast care nurses, breast radiographers, support staff and volunteers are committed to providing the best possible treatment and care in a friendly environment.
We will see you in the breast care centre if your GP has referred you with Breast symptoms or if you have been recalled from the NHS breast screening programme. We provide surgery for benign breast disease and breast cancer including breast reconstruction. We also provide a breast cancer family history service in partnership with the clinical genetics service.
How to refer –
GP to use the 2 week wait proforma via cancer services plus the national advice and guidance on line service.
GPs considering referring patients with breast pain (and no other symptoms) to our service please read this breast pain help leaflet.