Breast screening service withdrawn
A MOBILE breast screening service has been temporarily withdrawn from Downham due to power supply problems.
The unit was due to make a five-week stop in the town as part of a mobile service which tours West Norfolk but the visit has been cancelled after the regular power supply from the former Somerfield store could not be guaranteed.
The service is provided by Lynn's Queen Elizabeth Hospital and is usually based at The Hollies car park.
News of its cancellation has seen some residents question whether the unit could be based elsewhere in Downham as some people could miss important appointments.
But a spokesman for the QEH said the problems with the power supply came to light very much at the last minute and alternative arrangements could not be made.
He added: "We learned that there would be a disruption to our power supply after letters had already been sent out calling patients for screening.
"The power supply needed to run our mobile unit is substantial and was taken from a special dedicated supply outlet at the supermarket building.
"Unfortunately it is not a simple matter of just being able to move to another car park and plug-in to someone else's electricity supply.
"At the moment we are unable to say when power will be restored but it may not be until later this year.
"In the meantime we are offering patients the opportunity of being screened either at the QEH or at an alternative venue.
"When power is restored in Downham we will notify any patients who are still waiting for screening."
In March, the Lynn News reported how supermarket giant Morrisons had bought the Somerfield store from the Co-operative Group and that it would be closing in April so alterations could be made.
The QEH spokesman said contact has been made with Morrisons' estates department but it has yet to hear when the power supply will be restored.
He added: "We apologise sincerely for this disruption to the service.
"Women eligible for screening are normally called every three years. If patients have related health concerns between screenings they should contact their GP and ask to be referred to the hospital direct."
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Weather for King's Lynn
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
