Rochdale patients are now benefiting from a new specialist breast care unit

Date article online: 25/05/2007

The new £1 million Breast Care Unit at The Royal Oldham Hospital has been designed with the input of healthcare professionals and patients and is dedicated to caring for patients with breast problems. 

The new unit combines services that were previously provided at Birch Hill Hospital, Rochdale, and at The Royal Oldham Hospital, which are both run by The Pennine Acute Trust. 

The new Breast Care Unit is based in the old Victoria Function Rooms at the hospital and means patients requiring breast care treatment will have their own dedicated centre for outpatient appointments, as well as chemotherapy treatment, ultrasound and mammography examinations. 

Previously, breast care patients at Rochdale were seen at the John Bright Unit at Birch Hill Hospital. 

The new unit will also be a base for the consultant breast surgeons, breast care nurse specialists, medical records, and all their admin support.

Julie Smith, directorate manager for general and specialist surgery said: "It's great for patients that specialist breast care staff and facilities are together on one site. Being together on one site makes it easier for the multi-disciplinary team, which is made up of surgeons, specialist nurses, radiologists and oncologists to discuss each patient's case and the best course of treatment."

Volunteers are being sought to help with the new unit. People who can spare any amount of time, even if it is just an hour or two a week are needed. Full training and support will be given to anyone who does volunteer.

For more information, please contact Christine Mylott, voluntary services manager, on 0161 627 8561.