MP calls for reinstatement of breast screening mobiles in three High Peak towns

This month news emerged that rural mobile testing units had been scrapped in Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills and Buxton.

Though a mobile has now been placed at the Newholme Hospital, Bakewell, for High Peak patients, one worried woman from Chapel told how she had been offered an appointment at Chesterfield’s Scarsdale Hospital - a 50-minute drive across the peaks.

Mr Largan has written to Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Health Minister Matt Hancock to press for the mobile’s return across High Peak towns.

He said: “The mobile breast screening unit is vital, especially for those who aren’t able to easily travel outside the area.

"I’m really worried that this will lead to fewer local women getting screened and that some women simply won’t be able to attend appointments.”

Chapel woman Helen Cochrane, 51, - speaking about the loss of the mobile service in the three High Peak towns - said although she could drive she worried High Peak women who rely on public transport would face hours of travel on public transport and may cancel the vital health checks.

Helen has now been offered an appointment at a breast screening mobile unit at Bakewell’s Newholme Hospital for High Peak women - which is a shorter journey.

However she added a letter she received from North Derbyshire Breast Screening Service advised to ‘keep a safe distance from others and travelling by car, bike or walking if possible’.

There was no mention of travelling by public transport.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust say the Bakewell unit is part of a ‘recovery plan’ after breast screening was suspended between March and July.

A spokesman added: “This is a temporary measure to help restore the programme to its original state as the access at Bakewell means that we can work longer days and at weekends.”

Meanwhile MP Mr Largan has launched a petition calling for the breast screening unit to be reinstated.

The petition can be signed HERE.

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