LEIGHTON Hospital is set for the grand unveiling of a new £390,000 breast care unit on site today, Thursday.

The development, which has been joint funded by the South Cheshire Health Authority, Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust and the After Breast Care group (ABC), is a radical extension of the hospital's current breast care and screening facilities.

A much larger waiting area, an additional x-ray machine and two new examination and consultation rooms have been added to the older unit to improve patient privacy, support, comfort and disabled facilities.

ABC chairman Jean Morris raised a vital £100,000 towards the total cost.

Doctor John Scally, clinical director for Medical Imaging, was delighted by the completion of the project.

"Our staff have done sterling work in providing a top class service in what were previously very limited conditions for them and patients," he said.

"We have over 8,000 women visiting us annually for screening alone, and a screening population that is increasing year on year.

"It was therefore important for us to have top class facilities that will provide the privacy and support essential for our patients. My thanks go to the After Breast Care Group for making this possible."

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