BreastScreen NSW clinics closed temporarily due to COVID-19

A statement posted to the BreastScreen NSW website said clinics and mobile vans located at Miranda, St George Hospital at Kogarah, Campbelltown, Liverpool, Wattle Grove, Wetherill Park and the Hawkesbury are among those that had temporarily closed "in response to the increasing risk posed by the COVID-19 Delta strain".

The statement, which is dated today, August 11, does not say when the closures came into effect. The Leader has asked BreastScreen to comment.

The statement said: "BreastScreen NSW would like to reassure women across NSW that their safety and well-being is always our priority.

"In response to the increasing risk posed by the COVID-19 Delta strain, as well as significant cancellations and a need to redeploy staff to support the pandemic response, a number of screening clinics and mobile vans in Greater Sydney and across NSW have been temporarily closed.

"If your appointment is cancelled, you will be contacted to re-book at another service or on a future date.

"Importantly, women who need to be called back for additional tests will not be impacted."

BreastScreen NSW says regular mammograms help women without signs or symptoms find breast cancer at an early stage.

"Impacted clinics and mobile vans will be reopened as soon as possible," it said.

"In the meantime, if you notice any breast symptoms or have concerns about your breast health, please see your doctor without delay."

BreastScreen NSW services come under Cancer Institute NSW and is managed by local health districts.

A Cancer Institute NSW spokeswoman said the decision to temporarily close the services only came after modelling to find out the risks.

"BreastScreen NSW recently commissioned modelling to quantify any potential impact of a temporary suspension of screening," she said.

"The modelling showed that, provided women went on to screen once the program recommenced, the impact was minimal.

"BreastScreen NSW invites women 50-74 with no cancer symptoms to a population-based screening program.

"Women experiencing breast symptoms should see their GP without delay to get a referral for diagnostic testing, which is the national recommended pathway for symptomatic women.

"In response to the increasing risk posed by the COVID-19 Delta strain, as well as significant cancellations and a need to redeploy staff to support the pandemic response, districts have made the decision to close individual screening services as necessary.

"All booked clients will be contacted to rebook at another service or on a future date.

"BreastScreen NSW would like to reassure women that the short-term suspension of screening services will be monitored closely.

"As always, we encourage women to remain breast aware and see their GP if they experience any symptoms."

he full list of temporarily closed clinics include:

Details: For more information click here.