State-of-the-art new Breast Care Unit designed to enhance patient’s journey at UHNM

Work is underway on a new Breast Care Unit that will enhance the care and experience of breast cancer patients at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM). 

The purpose-built, two-storey building at County Hospital in Stafford, will provide breast services including – one stop breast clinics, breast screening, diagnostic imaging and breast surgical outpatient services. 

The unit, due to open in Autumn 2025, will replace the existing facilities which have been used at the hospital for 40 years.

Michelle Ellitts, Superintendent Radiographer at UHNM said: “Coming into hospital for anything to do with breast cancer is nerve-wracking and frightening, but this modern, purpose-built unit will help us to ensure our patient’s pathways are smooth and their experience is as stress free as possible”.   

“Due to advancements in breast care treatment, our existing facilities, which have been in use since the hospital opened four decades years ago, are no longer suitable to meet the needs of today’s patients. The unit was also not designed to handle such an increase in the number of referrals, driven by an increased awareness and education of breast cancer symptoms.”

The new unit, open to all eligible UHNM breast patients from across Staffordshire, will feature three counselling rooms, four consultation rooms and an enhanced treatment room, and will be equipped with the latest diagnostic and imaging equipment. The development also includes a landscaped garden area to provide seating and space for quiet contemplation.

Michelle said: “The new unit has been designed to provide patients a friendly and calming environment ensuring dignity and privacy is always maintained.

“Whilst we aren’t increasing our capacity in the new unit, we are making our facilities so much better and more appropriate. Some patients will be getting a diagnosis of cancer in this building, so we need it to be right for that as well. Our staff have been heavily involved in the design process, and we’re aware our patients should be able to come to a place that feels right and like they’re in safe hands.

“We’re very excited, it’s going to be a nice department not only for patients, but also for staff to work in. We’re able to bring both clinical and non-clinical colleagues under one roof in an amazing, brand-new environment.”