Ipswich Hospital fully opens new £5m breast cancer centre

As of Tuesday, patients are able to use the fully equipped facility, after the final two services moved into the brand new state-of-the-art unit.

The move brings all elements of breast care under one roof for the first time, which means that patients will no longer need to walk backwards and forwards between departments, get dressed and undressed several times or spend a long time in waiting rooms.

New screening machine at the breast care centre (Image: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust)

Hussein Tuffaha, the clinical director of breast services at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs Ipswich Hospital, said: “This excellent new facility will help us to make sure that every breast care patient has the best possible experience when they come to hospital.

“Bringing all elements of care under one roof means that our patients can be imaged, biopsied where necessary, and see their clinician in one place, in turn improving convenience and helping us to better meet their needs.

Kim Collingridge, lead breast cancer clinical nurse specialist, in the reception area (Image: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust)

“The new space will also allow us to offer additional services in the future, such as dedicated clinics for men and young people, which will make a significant difference to our patients.”

The £5.3million state-of-the-art centre had been under construction since April 2022, after four years of tireless campaigning known as the Blossom Appeal.

Consultant breast surgeon, Caroline Mortimer, said that the facility will make “a huge difference” not only to the patients but to the hospital’s staff as well.

She added: “This new facility has become a reality thanks to the wonderful support of local people. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed - this truly belongs to the community."

Imaging room at the breast care centre (Image: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust)

The new centre has been made possible thanks to a partnership between NHS funding from ESNEFT and the Blossom Appeal, which was a fundraiser organised by Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.

Allison Chaplin, general manager for breast services, said: “We are absolutely delighted that this vital new centre has now fully opened to patients.

Blossom room at breast care centre (Image: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust)

“It will transform the experience they have when they come into hospital by providing them with a high quality environment which matches the outstanding care our clinical teams provide.”