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25 October 2010

Breast clinic moves into new hospital wing at Broomfield

Patients in mid Essex got their first experience of being treated in the new PFI hospital wing at Broomfield last week when the new breast care service opened.

The breast service, which relocated from the Chelmsford and Essex (C&E) Centre, saw their first patients in the new hospital wing on Friday 22 October.  They are the first service to open in the new wing.

Mr Simon Smith, breast surgeon, said: “We are delighted to have moved into our new premises in the PFI hospital wing.  This move has been seven years in the planning and has definitely been worth the wait.  It is very exciting to be in a new unit that provides purpose built, modern facilities for our staff and patients.

“The move into out new premises went very smoothly and we have already run our first clinic here.  We are a stand alone service in the new hospital wing and can provide our patients with direct access to our screening service and clinics from the new car park.”

Patients attending the new breast clinic have been very positive about the new facilities.

Carolyn Ollenbuttel, breast care nurse, said: “Although we are sad to leave C&E, It is lovely to be the first service to move into the new building, we feel very special.  Our move went very smoothly and we have quickly settled in.  We have received a lot of support from colleagues from throughout the trust.   I am sure other services will find their moves go just as smoothly and will really enjoy working in the new facilities.”

The beast unit is located on the ground floor of the new hospital wing, just off the main atrium.  It is a sand alone unit, providing a breast screening service, clinics and access to theatres all under one roof.  The change has also meant that digital mammography has been introduced which gives much clearer images than the old analogue images.

Graham Ramsay, chief executive of mid Essex Hospitals said: “I am delighted that the first service is now running in the new hospital wing.  The other moves will begin from Friday 5 November and if they go according to plan all services will have moved in by Saturday 20 November.  We are all very excited about our new premises and the benefits that it will bring for our patients and staff.”

ENDS

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