Local MP Robert Largan has welcomed the announcement that breast screening clinics are returning to the High Peak, following his campaign to have them reinstated. 

The mobile screening unit was withdrawn in 2020 due to Covid, meaning women were asked to travel to Bakewell or Chesterfield instead. The extra distance would mean many women would be unable to make their screening appointment which could mean cancer going undiagnosed.

Robert launched a petition calling for the mobile screening unit to be reinstated, which over 2,000 local people signed. 

Robert also led a debate in Parliament to make a case for reinstatement directly to the Health Minister and secured a public commitment that breast screening would be brought back to the High Peak by July.

Clinics are to be held on a rotational basis starting from this week in Buxton, then Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills and Hope.

To help keep on track with appointments, North Derbyshire Breast Screening Service is keeping four mobile vans in service instead of the usual two.

Staff are working extra hours on their days off where possible, and they have made changes to working practice that will allow them to increase the number of appointments available for each day. Two trainee mammographers are also in the recruitment process.

Women will be contacted and invited for appointments directly.

Robert Largan, MP for the High Peak, commented:

“I am delighted that breast cancer screening clinics have returned to the High Peak. Early diagnosis is vital for breast cancer survival rates.

“I am pleased that this promise has been kept and that local screening clinics are now going ahead across the borough.

“A huge thanks to our local NHS for working so hard to bring this service back to the High Peak. 

“Thanks to everyone who signed my petition as well. This shows what we can achieve when we work together.”