Breast assessment centre to be established at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital

8/9/96

A breast assessment centre for women will be established at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital, Health Minister Kevin Prince announced today.

The Health Department's breast x-ray service - BreastScreen WA - will offer integrated diagnostic and counselling services to women who have detected abnormalities.

Mr Prince said the decision to locate the centre at the two major teaching hospitals followed extensive consultation with key stakeholders including surgeons, radiologists and health consumers.

He said the two sites - at SCGH and RPH - already had the necessary space, equipment and facilities required to handle the volume of women requiring assessment.

"Breast cancer is the most common life-threatening cancer among women," the Minister said.

"A recent study indicated BreastScreen WA's program continues to deliver a high-quality service with results which meet and exceed national standards.

"Complementing our screening service with this breast centre at two of our leading hospitals now provides a world-class service for Western Australian women.

"I am very pleased that the program we provide is on target in its aim to promote the early detection and treatment of breast cancer and to help reduce the death rate from the disease."

Women's Cancer Screening Service will recruit a medical director to run the breast assessment centre and, with the assistance of an advisory panel, will select medical specialists.

The new centre will replace the previous arrangement where the Women's Cancer Screening Service purchased breast assessment services from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Royal Perth Hospital, St Anne's and Mount hospitals.

Mr Prince said the St Anne's and Mount hospitals had made a significant contribution to the BreastScreen WA program.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 366 0300