VANDALISM HALTS CANCER SCREENING TESTS (From Tivyside Advertiser)

VANDALISM HALTS CANCER SCREENING TESTS

10:29am Monday 21st December 2009

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AN NHS mobile screening unit, which offers potentially life-saving cancer testing to women, has been forced to stop screening in Llandysul – after the unit was vandalised.

Heartless thieves have stolen diesel from the unit – which has resulted in around 150 women losing their appointment slots.

Alison Clement, Screening Promotion Officer for Breast Test Wales, which runs the unit, commented: "Unfortunately, due to reasons beyond our control, we have been forced to temporarily shut the screening unit, losing four days of screening.

"Due to the wanton vandalism, it has resulted in more than 150 women having to have their appointments cancelled – which means that they won’t now receive new invitations until the New Year.

"We are very disappointed that vandals have attacked the unit - not only have they caused disruption and inconvenience to the Service and staff – who have the job of having to cancel and re-book appointments - but they have also caused great inconvenience to many of the women of Llandysul, who have lost their appointment."

The unit has had to be removed from the site for several days for damage to the fuel pipe and lock to be repaired.

Mrs Clement added: "I would like to re-assure all women who have had to miss their appointment, that a new screening invitation will be sent to them, as soon as possible. Women who have not been informed of the change of appointment, should turn up for their screening appointment as usual."

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