People 'not giving up' breast screening unit fight

A breast screening unit could return to a town after a battle by campaigners.

The facility was removed from a Morrison's carpark in Warminster, Wiltshire, in October due to concerns over anti-social behaviour.

Campaigners have been told by the Wiltshire Breast Screening Service (BSS) there is a "desire to return the unit to Warminster in 2028" provided a "suitable site" can be found. The NHS said it was looking to find a site "for the 2028 round of invitations".

"Our message is simple: we are not giving up," said councillor Liz Lee, who has campaigned to save the unit. She said "we will continue working" until women have a unit that is "accessible, convenient and supported by the community".

Lee added that while local people were "naturally disappointed" the unit would no longer be in the Morrisons' car park, they were "encouraged" by the fact health bosses were keen for another suitable location.

David Rees, of the Health and Wellbeing Warminster group, has also led the campaign alongside Lee.

He hopes a new, easily accessible site can be found, adding: "A number of sites have been identified and are being explored.

"Once this work is complete, we aim to present the BSS with several suitable sites and to gain their promise and agreement that the unit will return to the town in 2028."

A petition calling for the return of the unit has gained hundreds of signatures and political support.

"There is no reason why the breast screening unit should not be in Warminster," Andrew Murrison, MP for Warminster, said.

"We know that disadvantaged, higher risk groups are less likely to access screening if it is made difficult, which it has been in Warminster following the removal of the mobile breast screening unit."

The unit was closed due to anti-social behaviour, including people banging on the side of the van during treatment sessions.

BBC Wiltshire has contacted the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) for more information.

An NHS England South West spokesperson said: "We are working with Warminster Town Council, Health and Wellbeing Warminster, and the local Breast Screening Service to find a suitable site for the 2028 round of invitations.

"Proposed sites will need to be reviewed to confirm they meet the necessary clinical and safety requirements to ensure the service meets the needs of patients and staff."

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