BreastScreen SA has unveiled its brand new $6.5 million state-of-the-art Assessment Clinic and State Coordination Unit, after the Malinauskas Labor Government successfully secured a new site.

The Government has invested $5.3 million into the new location at the former Wakefield Hospital with a further $1.2 million contributed by the Pelligra Group.

The new site is just 500 metres from the original Flinders Street building and includes an additional consult room, as well as larger client waiting areas, and a dedicated results clinic space.

A new location was required following the detection of mould problems at the old building under the former Liberal Government.

The project has also delivered a new ultrasound room, which will be used for training and builds in future capacity for service expansion.

The service includes two brand new mammography machines, using the latest imaging technology to improve the client experience and streamline the workflow for radiographers.

Clients, staff, unions, and other stakeholders were consulted on everything from the layout of the building to the waiting room furniture, artwork, finishings, and even the gowns, to ensure the space enhances both the staff and client experience.

The co-located State Coordination Unit has also been designed to optimise workflow to support the planning, delivery and monitoring of breast cancer screening services throughout South Australia.

The move was necessary after a series of building issues emerged at the Flinders Street site in late 2021, including salt damp, flooding in the basement, and an increase in musty odours around the building, prompting further investigation.

Ongoing monitoring of moisture and airborne spore levels ensured that although moisture levels were elevated, air testing was stable, and it remained safe for staff and clients to be onsite, ahead of the move to the new site.

The new building is on a 10-year lease and will help with the growing demand for services, following a strong response to the introduction of online bookings in September.

BreastScreen SA has experienced a 32 per cent increase in bookings, with the new system making it quicker and easier for clients to secure an appointment at one of 11 clinics including eight fixed screening clinics and three mobile screening units.

Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths in women and increases in frequency with age, with 1 in 7 Australian women diagnosed before the age of 85.

It is impossible to tell if you have breast cancer in the early stages, and 90 per cent of women who get breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

Screening increases the survival rate for people who have breast cancer, with research showing women who have regular screens reduce their chance of dying from breast cancer by up to 41 per cent.

BreastScreen SA provides free breast screens (breast X-rays) every two years to women over 40, primarily aged 50 to 74 years, with the aim of diagnosing breast cancer at an early stage, before it can be felt.

Around 95,000 women are screened each year, with around five per cent asked to attend the Assessment Clinic for more tests.

While most women who have further tests do not have breast cancer, between 650 and 750 cancers are diagnosed through the Assessment Clinic each year.

To make a free appointment, go to www.breastscreen.sa.gov.au and click the ‘Book Now’ button or call BreastScreen SA on 13 20 50.

Quotes

Attributable to Chris Picton

Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths in women but regular screening and early detection can save lives.

I’m so pleased the Malinauskas Government has been able to support BreastScreen SA to find a better, fit-for-purpose Assessment Clinic and State Coordination Unit, after mould at the old site was detected under the former Liberal Government.

This new state-of-the-art CBD site will be better for both the clients and staff of BreastScreen SA, helping to reduce the impact of breast cancer on South Australian women and their families.

Attributable to BreastScreen SA Clinical Director, Associate Professor Michelle Reintals

This new location keeps us in the CBD and is close to our current Flinders Street site, so it is familiar to our staff and clients.

It offers a welcoming and supportive space for our team to care for our clients during what can be an anxious time.

I would like to thank our consumers and staff for their wonderful efforts to ensure this new space best meets our needs and workflows so we can continue to provide the best possible care to South Australians.