BreastScreen SA has unveiled its brand new $6.5 million state-of-the-art Assessment Clinic and State Coordination Unit.
The State Government has invested $5.3 million into the new location at the former Wakefield Hospital with a further $1.2 million contributed by the Pelligra Group.
The new site is just 500m from the original Flinders St building and includes an additional consult room, as well as larger client waiting areas, and a dedicated results clinic space.
A new location was required following the detection of mould problems at the old building.
The service includes two brand new mammography machines, using the latest imaging technology to improve the client experience and streamline the workflow for radiographers.
The co-located State Coordination Unit has also been designed to optimise workflow to support the planning, delivery and monitoring of breast cancer screening services throughout South Australia.
The new building will help with the growing demand for services, following a strong response to the introduction of online bookings in September.
BreastScreen SA has experienced a 32 per cent increase in bookings, with the new system making it quicker and easier for clients to secure an appointment at one of 11 clinics including eight fixed screening clinics and three mobile screening units.
Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths in women and increases in frequency with age, with one in seven Australian women diagnosed before the age of 85.
It is impossible to tell if you have breast cancer in the early stages, and 90 per cent of women who get breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
Screening increases the survival rate for people who have breast cancer, with research showing women who have regular screens reduce their chance of dying from breast cancer by up to 41 per cent.
BreastScreen SA provides free breast screens (breast X-rays) every two years to women over 40, primarily aged 50 to 74 years, with the aim of diagnosing breast cancer at an early stage, before it can be felt.
BreastScreen SA Clinical Director Associate Professor Michelle Reintals said the new clinic offered “a welcoming and supportive space for our team to care for our clients during what can be an anxious time”.
“I would like to thank our consumers and staff for their wonderful efforts to ensure this new space best meets our needs and workflows so we can continue to provide the best possible care to South Australians,” Prof Reintals said.
To make a free appointment, go to Breast Screen SA and click the ‘Book online now’ button or call 13 20 50.
