Every week 100 people in our community deal with a possible life-changing diagnosis. That is the number referred every week, from BreastScreen Aotearoa or their GP, to the Breast Service at North Shore Hospital with a possible breast abnormality. These, mainly women, come from across the North Shore, Rodney and West Auckland and approximately 10%, or 10 a week, will be given a cancer diagnosis. Right now getting to that diagnosis can involve a number of appointments across multiple sites adding to the anxiety of an already distressing situation. The number of referrals to the service has grown 100% since 2012 and has significantly increased again after the COVID-19 lockdown period.
In June this year construction started on a brand new Waitematā Breast Service located at North Shore Hospital, where for the first time ultrasound, mammography, hookwire procedures, our consultants and reconstruction nurses will all be based in one clinic, reducing waiting times and therefore anxiety for patients while also improving outcomes. The build is due to be completed in December 2020 and Well Foundation, the official charity of Waitematā DHB, has committed to raise $2m in funding to make this possible. Thanks to incredibly generous donors in our community the Foundation has raised enough to complete the construction phase but are now looking for partners to help complete the fundraising for a new 3D mammography machine and an second ultrasound machine, doubling imaging capacity and further reducing wait times. There is a total of $127,000 left to raise.
This year has been incredibly hard on so many businesses but if you are in a position to support this project Well Foundation would love to discuss options with you, whether that be a donation or sponsorship. Full details of the project and the impact it will have can be found at https://WBS.wellfoundation.org.nz
