A brand new breast care unit, worth £15.3 million, officially opened this week at County Hospital.

The purpose-built facility prioritises privacy, comfort and accessibility while bringing breast imaging, diagnostics, outpatient clinics and support services together under one roof.

Former patients and community representatives, who played a vital role in the unit's design, ensuring it was welcoming and easy to navigate, gathered together on Monday (5 October), for the grand opening.

The unit has new diagnostic technology meaning more tests can be carried out onsite, reducing the need for some patients to travel to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Patients began using the new facilities, which include four consultation rooms, an enhanced treatment room, three counselling rooms, two mammography rooms and two ultrasound rooms, back in April.

Mr Sekhar Marla, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon, said: "This new Breast Care Unit is the result of many years of planning and teamwork across UHNM.

"From the very beginning clinical teams and our supporters and partners were able to help shape the design of the Unit making sure it meets the needs of both patients and staff.

"We had outgrown our previous unit and developments in technology meant we needed facilities that could support the way breast care is delivered today.

"By bringing consultations, imaging, diagnostics and treatment services together in one modern, purpose-built environment we can provide a better experience for patients while supporting our teams to deliver the highest standards of care.

"We know that coming to a breast clinic can be an anxious experience for many people so providing a calm and welcoming environment makes a real difference.

"The new Unit gives patients access to state-of-the-art imaging technology closer to home and will support breast services for many years to come."

83-year-old Celia Jarret volunteered at UHNM for more than 10 years with her dog Maisy before unexpectedly being diagnosed with breast and lung cancer in April 2024.

Speaking about the help she has received at the unit, she said: "The treatment I received from the staff has been absolutely second to none.

"I saw my consultant, had my scan and received my results just 90 minutes later.

"Having everything in one place is amazing and makes such a difference for patients."

The Breast Care Unit is the latest investment at County Hospital after the Staffordshire Treatment Suite, North Midlands Hand Centre and the £9.8 million Day Case Unit.

Helen Ashley, Acting Chief Executive at UHNM, said: "This fantastic new facility is a significant investment in breast care at County Hospital and will make a real difference to patients by bringing more services together in one modern environment closer to home."