BreastScreen Bunbury clinic to relocate as St John of God hospital identifies potential expansion options

The fate of a crucial South West health service is up in the air, as a potential hospital expansion may force the facility out of its long-term home. Bunbury’s St John of God Hospital has confirmed it is looking at the possibility of a future expansion of the site, which may leave BreastScreen Western Australia without a home for its only South West clinic. The BSWA clinic is presently situated within SJOG, leasing its space from the hospital. However, the health care provider recently confirmed the potential for future development of the Bunbury site, chief executive Jeffrey Williams identifying the space currently tenanted by BSWA as the ideal location. “St John of God Bunbury Hospital is undertaking site master planning to identify expansions options and help support our service planning for the future,” he said. “A potentially suitable site for expansion is currently tenanted by BreastScreen and consequently, we have been in discussions with them to discussion options.” Concerned about the future of a BSWA clinic in the South West and the impact it would have on regional women, Liberal leader Libby Mettam took to parliament last moth to address the issue. “Early intervention is critically important to identify and treat this disease without delay. We also need to ensure that treatment is close to home and easily accessible, which is central to my grievance,” she said. “That is why dedicated breast screening centres like the one in Bunbury are so important. “Women in the South West region fear that the dedicated breast screening facility that is co-located at St John of God Bunbury Hospital will be closed or downsized with the offering of services being limited.” She expressed concerns that women may be put off receiving regular diagnostic procedures should the clinic shut down. Health minister Amber-Jade Sanderson assured the State Government is “absolutely committed” to finding a new home for the BreastScreen clinic, revealing the current centre has been asked to vacate its current premises within two years. “I can provide reassurance for the women in the South West,” Minister Sanderson said. “BreastScreen has been asked to vacate the building by St John of God Health Care, which has ended its lease. “This is not a decision of the government. BreastScreen has been asked to vacate the building by 2025. “There is plenty of time. This service is not at risk of imminent closure. It will continue in Bunbury and it will continue to provide services for women in the south west.” Further to the minister’s comments, a spokesperson person from North Metropolitan Health Service — who manages BSWA — confirmed the they are looking for a new venue suitable for the demand of the community. “BreastScreen WA is currently sourcing alternate accommodation for its Bunbury location to ensure the provision of contemporary models of care for the local community,” they said. “A new location will be sought for a permanent clinic able to accommodate a growing community and the expansion of breast screening.”