New mobile breast screening unit to improve women’s health in Liverpool

New mobile breast screening unit to improve women’s health in Liverpool

Liverpool City Council has announced the introduction of a new mobile breast screening unit to improve access to essential screening services for women aged 50 to 70 throughout the city. This initiative represents an important development in offering life-saving breast cancer screening to communities where attendance rates have traditionally been low.

The official unveiling took place on Friday, 23 January, at Everton in the Community. The event brought together key partners including University Hospitals Liverpool, NHS England, and various local community groups, all of whom share the common goal of enhancing women’s health outcomes. The University Hospital Liverpool Breast Screening Service will operate the mobile unit, which is set to begin its service this month. The unit will be stationed at Goodison Park until April 2026 before moving every four months to different Liverpool neighborhoods, thereby increasing accessibility for women across the city. Women will still retain the option to book screening appointments at Broadgreen Hospital, which is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

A collaborative effort between Liverpool City Council, the breast screening service, and community organizations has been crucial in identifying those women who face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. The Council’s contribution to the Health Equity in Liverpool programme has supported a co-designed approach that involves local communities in finding practical solutions to these challenges. This partnership led to the creation of the Be Breast Savvy campaign, which uses humor, poetry, and music to encourage women—especially those who have missed previous screenings—to attend. The campaign plays a key role in breaking down barriers and fostering open discussions about breast health.

Women in Liverpool who are eligible for screening will receive invitations via post. Appointments and information about available screening locations can be arranged by contacting the Breast Screening Service at 0151 282 6920. If anyone feels they have missed a previous appointment or did not receive an invitation, they are encouraged to reach out to the service team for assistance.

Dr. Anu Shrotri, Director of Breast Screening at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, emphasized the importance of the mobile unit, stating, “For many women in our city, giving up half a day to travel across the city to attend a breast screening appointment simply isn’t an option. By offering accessible services closer to home we hope to increase uptake and early detection of breast cancer and ultimately save lives.”

Furthermore, Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool, highlighted the impact of this initiative on health inequalities: “This mobile breast screening unit is a vital addition to our city’s efforts to tackle long‑standing health inequalities. Too many women in Liverpool face avoidable barriers to accessing screening, and this new service brings care directly into the heart of communities where it is needed most.” He added, “Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have in improving cancer outcomes. By making screening more accessible, we can help more women receive earlier diagnoses, better treatment options and ultimately better chances of survival. This is exactly the kind of practical, community‑focused action that will help us build a healthier future for Liverpool.”

Liverpool City Council remains committed to continuing collaboration with NHS England, University Hospitals Liverpool, Primary Care Networks, and local organizations to enhance access to critical breast screening services and reduce health disparities throughout the city

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