Tasmanian women are facing up to 12 months without a mobile breast screening service after one of the state’s two BreastScreen buses was permanently retired due to water damage.
The bus, known as ‘Luna’, had serviced regional Tasmania before being pulled from the road over electrical issues.
In parliament on Tuesday, Health Minister Bridget Archer confirmed no order had yet been placed for a replacement, but said the Department of Health was in the “final stages of the procurement process”.
Her comments came after questioning from Clark independent MP Kristie Johnston.
“Has an order for the replacement bus actually been placed yet? If so, could you please name the supplier or suppliers?” Johnston asked.
“Can you tell us what evidence you are relying on when you say a replacement bus will be delivered in 12 months?”
The delay has already disrupted access to potentially life-saving early detection services, with screenings cancelled across parts of the state.
According to Archer, the 12-month wait is due to “limited availability for the fit-out of the mobile screening units across the country”.
She said she was “disappointed” with the loss of the bus and had directed the department to “do everything possible to expedite the replacement”.
“I sincerely apologise to those impacted, including those on the east coast and in the north-east, where scheduled screenings have been cancelled.”
“I have made it clear to the department that they must do everything possible to expedite this timeframe … if it can be on the road sooner than the 12 months, it will be.”
Archer said the government has put in place interim measures, including alternative appointments at fixed sites in Rosny, Hobart and Launceston.
A temporary BreastScreen site will also open in Devonport.
Extra support will be provided for patients, including travel assistance and a free charter bus from the east coast to Hobart, scheduled for early next month.
The government has also committed to building permanent breast screening clinics in Kingborough, Devonport, Triabunna and Glenorchy.
