Every year, thousands of women across the North East and Northumberland benefit from local, accessible breast screening thanks to mobile screening units. Newcastle Hospitals Charity have provided funding for three new trailers with improved accessibility via an electronic platform lift and improved connectivity that enables more sustainable paper lite processes. These mobile trailers bring vital healthcare directly into communities, making it easier than ever for women to attend their mammogram without needing to travel long distances to hospital.
We spoke with Aggie Krupinska, Senior Radiographer at the Newcastle Breast Screening and Assessment Unit, to understand what a day on a mobile breast screening unit looks like – and why attending your appointment could make all the difference.
Starting the day
The day begins with preparing the unit – unlocking, powering up the mammography machine, and carrying out essential quality assurance tests to the mammography equipment. The tests are required to ensure the equipment is producing high quality images which are essential for detecting breast cancer and patient safety. We then clean the trailer thoroughly before loading the day’s screening list.
What to expect at your appointment
A typical breast screening appointment lasts around eight minutes. After being welcomed and checked in, women are shown to a private cubicle to change before their mammogram.
The mammogram itself is very quick. The longest part is simply making sure you are positioned comfortably so the images are as clear as possible. Throughout the process, our staff explain every step, offering reassurance and support.
Afterwards, women receive a leaflet on breast awareness and details about results, which are sent within 2–3 weeks by post, with a copy also sent to their GP.
Appointments can be scheduled throughout the day, including evenings and weekends, and our mobile units are fully accessible for women with mobility needs.
Janey’s story
For many women, breast screening provides vital peace of mind.
Janey, one of our recent clients, shared her experience:
“I lost my mother to cancer when she was just 47. I’ve had family members with breast cancer, so I’ve grown up knowing the importance of checking and attending regular screenings.”
When Janey came for her most recent appointment, she admitted she felt nervous: “I had a lump and biopsy several years ago at the RVI, so I was a little worried. But being able to attend locally made a huge difference.”
But for Janey, the mammogram experience brought reassurance: “Honestly, the worst part is waiting for results! I still check regularly at home, but having a proper check-up means I’m far more likely to be OK, even if they find something. Peace of mind is everything.”
Janey believes accessibility is key:
“In places like Blyth, women work hard – caring for family, working, and running homes – and often put their own health last. By being local and well-promoted through stalls, coffee mornings, and publicity, screening becomes something women are more likely to attend. If they had to travel to NSECH or the RVI, some just wouldn’t go.”
Why mobile screening matters
Newcastle Breast Screening Service operates four mobile trailers and one static site, moving regularly to ensure maximum reach. Together, these cover over 140,000 eligible women aged 50–70 across Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, and Derwentside.
By bringing screening closer to home, we remove barriers to attendance, ensuring more women take up their appointments and receive the life-saving benefits of early detection.
A message from our team
“Our goal is simple, we want every woman to feel welcome, comfortable, and supported. It’s a privilege to be part of this service – because every appointment could change a life.”
Aggie Krupinska Senior Radiographer at the Newcastle Breast Screening and Assessment Unit
Don’t delay – attend your screening
Breast screening saves lives by detecting cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms appear. If you’re invited for a mammogram, please take up the opportunity. The appointment is quick, local, and could make all the difference to your future health.
