Pakenham’s first fixed service BreastScreen facility has been officially opened.
After the mobile screening service visited the area for the past few years, the new site will mean more breast screens are available in Pakenham and the surrounding areas, where a portion of the community has not returned for this important, regular health check since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale officially opened the new clinic at Pakenham on Friday 18 February.
Joined by BreastScreen Victoria chief executive Terri Smith, Ms Crugnale cut a red ribbon to commemorate the opening, toured the new facility and met the radiographers and staff.
“It’s absolutely wonderful to officially open the clinic, meet the wonderful team and tour the new permanent BreastScreen clinic here in Pakenham,” Ms Crugnale said.
“This service is free, no Medicare card is needed, it’s centrally located, and with highly-qualified and caring staff, it means easier access to early screening and better health outcomes for our community.”
Like all BreastScreen Victoria clinics, Pakenham BreastScreen has state-of-the-art facilities, caring and highly-qualified staff, and the latest digital imaging technology.
Close to shops and cafes, the new clinic has free parking and is accessible by public transport via nearby bus routes and Pakenham train station, a 15-minute walk away.
Ms Smith said she was looking forward to welcoming clients to Pakenham BreastScreen at 20 Main Street, Pakenham.
“We are delighted to launch this new BreastScreen service. It’s great to provide a permanent site for our existing mobile service clients and significantly increase our screening capacity in this high-growth area,” she said.
“We know there are a large number of our target group not currently screening in the Pakenham area, and we look forward to promoting this new service to a new group of clients.”
BreastScreen Victoria aims to reduce the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis by ensuring the best health outcomes through early detection.
Eligible Victorians aged 50−74 are invited to have a free mammogram every two years as they are the group most at risk of developing the disease.
However, all eligible Victorians 40+ may attend.
Breast screens are with female radiographer in a safe and friendly environment, and take only 10 minutes to complete. Breast screens are for those with no symptoms and you don’t need a doctor’s referral or Medicare card.
For information and bookings visit breastscreen.org.au or call 13 20 50.
