Advocacy Update: The Fight for Local Breast Screening Access

At HerMove, we champion the physical and mental health of women, and that includes advocating for essential preventative care. We know that accessibility is vital, which is why we've been closely monitoring the situation regarding the relocation of the Mobile Breast Screening Unit from East Court to Haywards Heath.

The conversation unfolding within our community shows the real-life impact of this move, where logistical issues create a dangerous barrier to essential screening.

Clarifying the Relocation Reasons

Councillor Jacquie Russell has provided a detailed update from the West/East Sussex/Brighton and Hove Breast Screening Service, clarifying the core reasons for the move:

1. Size Constraints (The Main Issue): The new mobile unit is physically larger and the previously allocated space at East Court is no longer big enough to accommodate it. The issue is purely spatial and is not related to the car park barrier.

2. Safety and Security: The Rugby Club was considered but deemed unsuitable because its isolated location and lack of adequate lighting pose a security risk for mammographers during dark winter months.

3. Static Provision: Having a permanent, static site in East Grinstead is not practical because the eligible population (5,500) does not justify the expense of a unit that would sit unused for 29-30 months of the screening cycle.

The Community Impact

The response from residents highlights the stark reality that this relocation creates a health inequality:

• Anxiety and Avoidance: H.S. noted that the anxiety of finding parking at Haywards Heath might cause her to miss the mammogram entirely, proving that logistical barriers directly impact health outcomes.

• Transport Issues: S.L. pointed out the shift from a 20-minute local round trip to a three-hour round trip by bus, making this essential service inaccessible for non-drivers.

• Parking Stress: M.G. noted that after struggling with parking in Haywards Heath, she nearly missed her appointment, demonstrating the real-world difficulty of attending.

'As a local resident, I find the decision to relocate the Mobile Breast Screening Unit from East Grinstead to Haywards Heath deeply disappointing and short-sighted. Removing this vital service from our community risks turning a life-saving convenience into a barrier for many. Breast screening isn’t optional, statistics show early detection saves lives. 

Yet, research consistently shows that distance, travel time, and accessibility matter. Women who live further from a screening unit are significantly less likely to attend. By moving the unit to Haywards Heath, women in East Grinstead - particularly those without cars, or with mobility or caring constraints, will face longer journeys and greater logistical challenges. Many may quietly decide “it’s too much” and skip their appointment. That risk is unacceptable.

East Grinstead deserves to retain this resource locally, not just for convenience, but for our future health and peace of mind. We must not be fobbed off with vague assurances that “sometime, somewhere” another site might appear. The Council and NHS must act now to secure a safe, accessible location within our town, and restore this essential service to the women who need it most.' - Local Business Owner Louise Lucas of The Colour Suite 

The Path Forward: A Solution is Being Sought

The reassuring news is that this is not a permanent impasse.

• Alternatively, suitable sites are actively being investigated by the screening service.

• Mims Davies MP confirmed she received a similar response, indicating efforts are ongoing at a high level.

• A crucial meeting is scheduled for October 29th between WSCC Public Health and the NHS/ICB SE Regional Director to start discussions on solutions.

• Direct Action: Cllr Jacquie Russell provided the direct email address for the NHS Breast Screening Service uhsussex.westsussexbreastscreening@nhs.net, encouraging residents to write in with their suggestions (like C.W.'s idea about the Chequer Mead car park).

HerMove will continue to support the efforts of Cllr Jacquie Russell and others by keeping the pressure on the NHS to find a safe, accessible, and timely solution to restore this essential service to the women of East Grinstead.