Our Breast care unit is designed to provide everything you need for your visit in one location. Most patients will have all their investigations done in one visit in our ‘one stop’ clinics.
On this page…
Locations
From the main entrance of St Albans City Hospital, facing the reception desk, turn left, then take the first right. Immediately on the right you will find the entrance to the Breast unit and our reception.
Contact information
- West Herts Breast Unit - westherts.
breastunit @nhs.net - Breast Unit Assistant Service Manager - 07977799943
- Breast Unit Service Coordinator - 07977580310
- Breast Pain Clinic Coordinator - 01727 897239
- Oncology Secretary - 01727 897373
- Secretary to Mr Thomson - 01727 897977
- Secretary to Miss Lai - 01727 897973
- Secretary to Mr Chong - 01727 897970
- Secretary to Mr Monib - 01727 897964
Breast care service
Most patients will have all their investigations done in one visit in our ‘one stop’ clinics. This may include examination by a male or female clinician, a mammogram, an ultrasound and if required, a biopsy under local anaesthetic. You may wish to bring someone with you in case a biopsy is needed.
We see over 7,000 people a year and many of our visitors go home reassured with no further follow up required.
If surgery is required, the majority of breast surgery operations are performed at St Albans. We have a dedicated bay for breast patients on Beckett ward and we try to carry out most surgery as a day case, where patients go home the same day.
Some patients will need surgery at Watford General Hospital due to other health issues and a small number may need to stay overnight. It will be the same team of surgeons looking after you.
We offer all types of oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery. For free flaps procedures, we work in partnership with the Royal Free Hospital.
We work closely with the Beds & Herts Breast Screening Service and the North London Breast Screening Service.
Clinics
We run several clinics each week. Please note, due to the nature of these there may be delays.
- One-stop clinic for rapid breast assessment to rule out breast cancer. An average appointment takes between two and three hours.
- Breast pain clinic on a Monday morning
- Under 40s ultrasound clinic
- Urgent direct referrals from GPs or Emergency department for drainage of breast abscesses associated with breast feeding or other infections
- Our Oncology consultants visit twice a week for clinics to arrange chemotherapy and radiotherapy (Tuesday and Wednesday), but cancer treatment itself is carried out at Mount Vernon Hospital.
- Family history assessment clinic on a Thursday morning
- Genetic testing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- New prosthesis or breast form fitting clinic every other Thursday
Our breast care nurses also run nipple tattoo clinics, holistic needs assessments and open access follow ups.
Patient information leaflets
All the leaflets/booklets used in our clinic can be found on these websites. YouTube has useful videos for guidance on breast awareness and self-checks. You can also find tips on the management of Breast Pain.
We are a member of the East of England Cancer Alliance.