The mobile breast screening unit that comes to Sir Robert Peel Hospital every three years will not be accommodated at the hospital this year due to ongoing building work.

As a consequence, Tamworth women who are due a screening will have to travel to Queen’s Hospital Burton, just under 20 miles away.

Breast screening is offered every three years to women between the ages of 50 and 70.

While it is not compulsory, women are strongly urged to attend as screening has been proven to diagnose breast cancer earlier.

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Sir Robert Peel hospital

One such person, Jean Jackson who lives in Tamworth and is due a screening, is concerned about the issue and what it means to the women of Tamworth.

Janet said: “I got the letter advising that I was due a screening, which I was expecting, but then I realised I was being invited to a hospital in Burton upon Trent.

“I do not drive, it’s a long way, and I have never been to Burton before. I envisage it will be a nightmare trek on public transport, given the place is some 20 miles away.

“I am concerned that some ladies will just not bother to complain about the distance they are being asked to travel and simply not attend the appointment.”

Adding to the confusion is that prior to being held at Sir Robert Peel, the mobile unit has been held in a car park opposite Tamworth police station.

However, Burton hospitals have stated this is no longer possible.

A spokesperson said: “In 2015, when we last held breast screening in Tamworth, the service was hosted by Sir Robert Peel Hospital.

“However, due to building work the site does not currently have the space or amenities to safety host the unit. The unit requires groundwork to provide a safe base and specialist electrics to power the x-ray machines. The easiest and quickest way to continue the service is by temporarily moving it to Queen’s Hospital in Burton.”

Despite this, those due a screening are being urged to make the journey to Burton for the crucial assessment,

Ruth Croft, Programme Manager for Breast Screening at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton said: “We’ve had to temporarily move the breast screening unit as building work is ongoing at Sir Robert Peel Hospital.

After speaking with our commissioners and NHS England we agreed to invite Tamworth women to Queen’s Hospital Burton rather than delay the service for patients.

We’re sorry for the inconvenience this has caused but urge women to still attend the vital screening sessions.”