WOMEN in Leominster who are due to use a mobile breast cancer screening van will instead need to make the trip to Kidderminster Hospital.

The interim measure has been put in place as Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust works to deliver a "programme of improvements" to breast screening facilities across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

It aims to give women access to the latest digital imaging technology.

David Burrell, divisional director for clinical support at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "The latest digital breast screening facilities are already available at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Worcestershire Royal Hospital and the brand new Kidderminster Hospital facilities opened recently.

"Hereford will also offer its own digital breast screening facilities in the near future. These in-hospital facilities are in addition to two upgraded mobile screening vans which currently rotate between sites across the two counties.

"We have invited Leominster women to undergo their screening at Kidderminster Hospital. This is an interim measure while we work to deliver a more accessible service across the two counties. Women aged 50-70 are invited to have breast screening every three years, and screening is carried out in rotation across the two counties."

Mr Burrell added that affected women have been reassured that this is a one-off occurrence and their next screening in three years will be back in Herefordshire.

"We have apologised for the inconvenience this may cause. All affected women have been invited to call the breast screening unit to discuss any queries or concerns," he said.