Mayoress given ‘all clear’ highlights benefits of breast cancer screening during opening of new Mammography Suite

Mayoress Elaine Dutton and Mayor Ray Dutton open the new digital mammography suite at BMI The Highfield Hospital

The Mayoress of Rochdale, Elaine Dutton, has spoken about her own experience with breast cancer, as she opened a new digital mammography suite at BMI The Highfield Hospital on Tuesday. 

Mayoress Dutton and her husband, Mayor Ray Dutton were coincidentally invited to open the unit at the hospital, on the day Mayoress Dutton received the news that her cancer had been successfully removed and she was given the ‘all clear’.

Mayoress Dutton explained that ten weeks ago she had attended an appointment for a routine breast screen at her local NHS hospital. The digital image showed a lump and she has since had to undergo a lumpectomy.

She said: “With our busy schedule, I could have easily found a reason to postpone the appointment but luckily I didn’t. Although it was a shock to find out that a cancerous lump had been found, I was fortunate that it was detected at an early stage with a mammography.”

Mayor Dutton said: “I am very happy to have been invited to open the Digital Mammography Centre at BMI The Highfield Hospital. Early detection is so important and anything we can do to help promote the importance of encouraging people to participate in screening programmes we are happy to support.”

Tracy Jackson, Executive Director at BMI The Highfield, said: “Digital Mammography enables detection of deep lumps at early stages. It complements the other screening services that we have at the hospital and demonstrates our commitment to providing excellent care to patients in and around Rochdale area.

“We can provide quick access to screening services for those patients who fall outside the standard criteria for NHS routine screening, providing reassurance and knowledge about their breast health.”

During a tour of the hospital, the Mayor and Mayoress stopped to view the Dementia Awareness reception desk at the main entrance of the hospital.

BMI The Highfield Hospital supports The Alzheimer Society and staff across the hospital have signed up to the Dementia Friends training. The hospital’s executive director is running a 10K for the charity on 28 May.