Kalgoorlie Hospital to receive a mammography machine

2/8/07
Women will have access to breast screening in the Goldfields again, with the State Government deciding to install a mammography machine at Kalgoorlie Hospital.
Health Minister Jim McGinty announced the hospital would purchase a diagnostic mammography machine following the closure of the town's private service.
"The new machine will enable women to continue to be screened locally rather than having to travel to Perth," Mr McGinty said.
"Australian women have a one in eight risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime.
"For women over the age of 50 or with a family history of breast cancer, screening is recommended every two years.
"With the previous provider, women wanting a mammogram screening were placed on a booking list and had to wait until the list was full for their appointment to go ahead.
"The new public machine will be operated by an experienced mammography medical imaging technologist who will perform screenings weekly."
The new machine would need to be ordered and installed, and was expected to be in operation by the start of 2008.
In the meantime, women could use the service provided by the Breast Screen mobile van, which would operate in Kalgoorlie from August 16 to the November 7. The van offered free mammography screening for women aged 50-69 years. Appointments could be made by calling 13 20 50.
Local women who urgently needed a screening after the van left Kalgoorlie in November and before the new unit became operational, would be eligible for financial assistance to travel to Perth for examination.
Minister's office - 9422 3000