Plans for new breast care unit move a step closer

Plans for a new breast care unit in Ystrad Mynach have moved a step closer after Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) approved an outline business case to support its construction.

The unit would be based at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, with breast care services across Gwent unified under one roof.

Currently, breast services are provided from Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital and Abergavenny’s Nevill Hall Hospital.

An ABUHB spokesman said the proposed new unit would provide “high quality diagnostic and treatment services for the residents of Gwent” and will “bring together a range of services” that are currently provided across Gwent.

“This business case will now be submitted to Welsh Government for their consideration for funding from the All Wales Capital Programme.”

Emma Wilkins, fundraising manager for breast services at ABUHB, said: “The new diagnostic unit will bring all of the relevant services together, meaning that patients will no longer need to move around different hospital sites to access the various services they need.

“Patients can see a specialist nurse, have their clinical examination, an ultrasound scan, a mammogram, a biopsy, and a prosthesis fitting all in one place.” 

A fundraising group has been set up to support the NHS with the new facility.

Ms Wilkins added: “The Friends of ABUHB Breast Unit are a voluntary group of women that have experienced breast cancer and are passionate about helping others diagnosed with the illness.

“The fundraising group has been hit hard by the recent pandemic with major events cancelled and social distancing putting a stop to traditional fundraising activities. The loss of these funds will have major repercussions on the ability to provide the additional items the group would like to provide for the new unit.

The news was welcomed by Caerphilly’s Senedd Member Hefin David, who said: “Soon after I was elected to the Senedd, I met with the chief executive of Aneurin Bevan Health Board to press for a centre of excellence for breast cancer services at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr.

“I pledged to campaign for this over the months and years ahead, so progress on the business case is extremely welcome.

“I want to pay tribute to The Friends of ABUHB Breast Unit, who have raised over £120k towards the new unit.

“It has been a privilege to work with them at events across the constituency. They have worked wonders.”

To make a donation to The Friends of the ABUHB Breast Unit, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/emma-wilkins19  or email Emma.wilkins5@wales.nhs.uk to find out how to help raise funds for the group.