Tasmania’s north-west now has a permanent breast screening clinic, with the $1.2 million Devonport facility already seeing patients after a soft launch last week.
Health Minister Bridget Archer said the clinic at the Devonport Community and Health Services Centre could screen more than 150 patients a day.
It is one of four permanent sites the government has promised across the state, with clinics to follow in Kingborough, Triabunna and Glenorchy.
Until now, the north-west has relied on mobile screening units.
“Having a permanent site here is very convenient for people,” Archer said.
“They are able to access this and attend at a time that is suitable or convenient to them, rather than necessarily having to wait for the days that the mobile unit is in operation.”
Mahmoud Mahmoud, who heads population screening and cancer prevention at the Department of Health, said the clinic was purpose-built and fully staffed, open five days a week from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
He said about 4,000 eligible clients were expected to use the new site.
Mahmoud said the north-west had always had a high screening turnout and the permanent clinic would help keep it that way.
“Having a fixed site and a permanent site in Devonport is much more convenient for the public,” he said.
“It’s also reassurance in terms of ready access to breast screen when we have a full-time service in full operations and with full staff.”
The service is for healthy adults, Mahmoud said. Anyone with symptoms such as lumps, swelling or discharge should see their GP instead.
Women aged 50 to 74 can get a free screening every two years and those over 40 are also eligible.
The clinic has screened 51 patients since its soft opening about a week ago.
Archer said planning was underway for the remaining three clinics, with Kingborough likely to open next.
