Leigh Infirmary entrance

A new breast imaging examination room opened at Leigh Infirmary in January.

The new “one-stop-clinic” enables patients to be seen, examined and have imaging scans performed during one visit at the infirmary.

This reduces travel time and costs for Leigh-based patients. Previously they had to visit the breast screening centre at the Thomas Linacre Centre (TLC) in Wigan.

Fantastic news

Dr Jeffrey Dalli, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon, said: “This significant investment is fantastic news for our Leigh site and will certainly go some way to reducing the waiting times for ‘one-stop-clinic’ appointments in Greater Manchester.

“Faster diagnostics results in faster treatment, which ultimately saves lives.”

How does it work?

Patients experiencing symptoms such as lumps in the breast tissue, nipple discharge, or changes to their breast, including pain, must be referred by their GP to access the clinic.

When they arrive, patients will fill in a questionnaire before being examined by a breast cancer surgeon.

The surgeon will determine which tests need to be done. Breast imaging in the form of mammograms or ultrasound will be carried out and reported immediately.

They will then communicate both the results and any follow-up plans to the patient.

Dr Dalli added: “The benefit of this ‘one-stop-clinic’ is that those who are shown to have nothing serious are immediately reassured and discharged. Those who need further tests, including biopsies, can have them done immediately. This can speed up the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.”

Mary Fleming, chief executive of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we are now able to offer this service at Leigh Infirmary.

“The clinic is vital for our borough. It is another key benefit of our new Community Diagnostic Centre that goes some way to addressing health inequalities in the area – be it by access or time saved for patients.”


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