First Patient Welcomed To New Breast Care Unit At County Hospital In Stafford

A new Breast Care Unit has opened at County Hospital in Stafford, with the first patient now welcomed through the doors.

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust says the new purpose-built unit will make breast care feel more joined-up, calmer and easier for patients.

The unit brings together clinics, scans, outpatient care and support services in one dedicated space.

What’s in the new unit?

The new Breast Care Unit includes:

• Four consultation rooms

• An enhanced treatment room

• Three counselling rooms

• Two mammography rooms

• Two ultrasound rooms

• New imaging technology

It replaces the old breast unit at County Hospital, which UHNM says could no longer meet the needs of modern breast care.

Why does this matter for patients?

The main aim is to make appointments smoother and less stressful.

The new layout should mean patients have more privacy and do not need to move between as many different areas.

UHNM also says more tests can now be carried out at County Hospital, which may reduce the need for some patients to travel between Stafford and Royal Stoke University Hospital.

First patient praises the care

The first patient seen in the new unit was Helen Bishop, a 59-year-old teaching assistant from Newcastle-under-Lyme.

She said the care from the UHNM breast care team was “phenomenal” and said the new unit felt calm and reassuring.

Helen said: “The care I had in the old unit was fantastic, but this is even better for patients in the future. It feels really calm, which makes such a difference when you’re feeling nervous.”

Staff welcome the new space

Mr Sekhar Marla, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon, said the new unit gives the team more space, better facilities and a layout that supports patient privacy and flow.

Michelle Ellitts, superintendent radiographer, said the unit will help staff provide a smoother experience, with more tests being done in one place.

She said the aim is for patients to feel they are in safe hands from the moment they walk through the door.