University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has welcomed its first patient to a brand new breast care unit in Stafford.

Based at County Hospital, the unit has four consultation rooms, an enhanced treatment room, three counselling rooms, two mammography rooms, two ultrasound rooms and state-of-the-art imaging technology.

It will be offering one-stop clinics, diagnostic imaging, outpatient care and support services in one dedicated space with the hope of providing a more joined-up and streamlined service for patients. 

The previous unit, also at County Hospital, was no longer able to meet the demands of modern breast care.

The purpose built unit has been designed with the help of clinical teams to improve patient flow and privacy.

Those receiving treatment will not have to move to different areas of the hospital as frequently.

Helen Bishop, 59, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, was the first patient to be seen at the new unit.

The teaching assistant said: "The care that you get from the breast care team at UHNM is just phenomenal. 

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"Right from the beginning, it's the atmosphere that stands out, all the staff are so friendly and reassuring, and you can tell they work really well together.

"It was an honour to be the first patient at the new Breast Unit. 

"The care I had in the old unit was fantastic, but this is even better for patients in the future. 

"It feels really calm, which makes such a difference when you're feeling nervous.

"Today was a big day for me because I was waiting for results, but even though it's the first day here, everything felt relaxed and I was quickly put at ease. 

"I can't fault the care I've had at all."

Mr Sekhar Marla, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon, said: "This is an exciting day for the whole team. 

"Our previous unit has served us well for many years, but this new facility allows us to deliver care in a way that better reflects how breast services work today.

"We now have more space, improved facilities and a layout that supports better patient flow, privacy and overall experience. 

"A lot of work has gone into the design, with staff closely involved throughout, and that's made a real difference to how the unit works in practice.

"It also helps us to future-proof the service as the number of patients we see continues to grow, and it's something colleagues across the region are already really interested in seeing."

The unit is fitted with the latest diagnostic technology meaning that more tests can be carried out at County Hospital, reducing the need for patients to travel to the Royal Stoke University Hospital. 

Michelle Ellitts, superintendent radiographer, said: "Advances in technology and increasing referrals mean we need more space and facilities that support how we deliver care today.

"This new unit allows us to provide a smoother, more joined-up experience for patients, with better flow and the ability to carry out more tests in one place. 

"Just as importantly, it creates a calm and reassuring environment at what can be a very frightening time.

"We want patients to feel they are in safe hands from the moment they walk through the door, and that's not just about the equipment or the expertise, it's about the whole environment and how it makes people feel."