New booking system boosts breast cancer care equity

Northern Ireland has launched a centralised breast assessment booking service to tackle disparities in cancer care. By prioritising patients based on clinical need rather than postcode, the initiative is set to reduce waiting time inequalities. The digital encompass system underpins this shift, enabling coordinated appointments across five regional hospitals. While initially covering urgent referrals, a broader review aims to improve all breast services. An extra £5 million will expand assessment and surgical capacity, signalling a drive towards faster, fairer, and more efficient patient care.

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