A patient at a breast cancer clinic has shared her concerns about a lack of signage potentially “putting off” new visitors.
The screening service is located at Radcliffe Primary Care Centre on Church Street.
Racquelle Vallance, 58, from Prestwich, visited the centre for an appointment recently, but was left frustrated by the lack of any signage in the building and fears it could lead to missed appointments.
She said: “It’s a large building and there are no signs whatsoever to point patients in the right direction. The reception desk wasn’t manned either.
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“I was left to wander about the building to look for the specific room I needed. I found it eventually, but it was near impossible to find.”
Breast screening is important for detecting cancers that could be too small to see or feel.
Women aged between 50 and 70 years old are invited to attend a free NHS breast screening every three years and those of 70 can still be screened on request.
Racquelle added: “I raised the issue with staff on the day so am hoping something gets done. It’s so important that people get checked and is not the most pleasant thing.
“This may well put off people who are already feeling scared or have limited mobility.”
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She said she then contacted the local NHS integrated care board to register the problem and was given a number for the NHS's Patient Advice and Liaison Service who reportedly could not offer any help with the problem.
“That was a good example of poor administration too”, Racquelle said.
“They should be looking to improve access, not deter it. All it would take is one note on reception to tell people where to go.
“A friend went a few weeks before I did and said there was a temporary whiteboard with directions on, but it had gone when I was there.”
The NHS and the centre has been contacted for comment about the situation.
Anyone looking to make an appointment for breast screening in the area can call 01204 390454 and can find more information about breast cancer at www.cancerresearchuk.org
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