Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

253. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the BreastCheck western unit is to withdraw its mobile unit from Sligo town and relocate to the village of Collooney; his views on whether this will result in access problems to the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17335/18]

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

254. To ask the Minister for Health if BreastCheck will be engaging with Sligo County Council to facilitate the locating of the BreastCheck mobile unit in Sligo town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17336/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.

The HSE's National Screening Service (NSS) advises that the BreastCheck programme seeks to source suitable sites for mobile screening units in order to maximise take-up of screening opportunities and to ensure that locations meet the highest standards for women.

BreastCheck is currently providing screening to women in Co. Sligo with a mobile unit in Tubbercurry. A second mobile unit was located in Sligo town in the past, but BreastCheck were informed that the location used for this service is no longer being made available. BreastCheck identified an alternative site in Collooney and screening is scheduled to commence there in a number of weeks.

BreastCheck continues to engage with Sligo County Council and other potential partners with a view to securing a site within Sligo town. In recent days BreastCheck has been offered some potential locations in the town and is currently following up on these to determine suitability. If the process to identify a suitable location in Sligo town is successful, BreastCheck will ensure that services are provided there at the earliest possible time.