We reached 30k signatures! Thank you!
It’s been awhile since my last update, I’ve been working behind the scenes on a new exciting project to do with breast screening, and continuing to lobby our leaders to reopen BreastScreen NSW clinics.
You may be aware that a couple of announcements have been made regarding BreastScreen NSW clinics over the past month - specifically that they have reopened. This is not the case unfortunately - the reopening of clinics is taking place on a case by case basis, depending on local risk and operational requirements. Six venues were initially listed as open on the BreastScreen NSW website, then 21 last week, and now a total of 28 are listed - the vast majority are still closed. It’s also important to note that these clinics are starting with clients who have had appointments cancelled during closures. This means if you are due for a screen and the clinic where you live is open, you still may not be able to make an appointment because you are not part of the priority group.
There has been no timeframe given for when all clinics will be open, nor a plan identified to clear up the backlog of appointments. Further screening delays will have an impact on outcomes, with the National Breast Cancer Foundation indicating that surgical delays of 12 weeks can result in 500 more breast cancer deaths a year.
Over the past few weeks I have been writing to Federal and State MPs, and I’ve been in touch with the office of Ms Sophie Cotsis MP. Just this morning I sent the petition to Mr Brad Hazzard MP - he is my local member and the State’s Health Minister. I will update you when I hear back.
In the meantime, please keep this issue front of mind - send a letter to our leaders on this topic using this link, or contact your local MP on this issue.
Christina