Personalised, patient-centred breast care
The Breast Care Unit at The Platinum Medical Centre is a state-of-the-art, dedicated unit which offers the full spectrum of breast assessment, including the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant breast diseases, as well as the full range of breast reconstruction options - all under one roof.
For us, it’s critical our patients remain at the centre of the care, and that the care delivered is completely individualised. From the moment a patient arrives with us we are by their side, fully supported by a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
The unit, located at The Wellington Hospital in St John’s Wood, is home to a One-Stop Breast Clinic, a rapid access, consultant-led service, where a patient’s breast concerns can be investigated using the very latest digital mammography, clinically appropriate imaging can be undertaken and results can be given, in a single visit. Open since 2011, we have established a reputation for providing a consistently high standard of care that requires a relentless focus on quality, expertise and support for patients whatever the outcome.
Our strength lies within the excellence of our clinical teams; we have an exceptional team of consultants, nursing and therapy staff whose skills and experience enable us to care for all breast care needs.
For us, it’s critical our patients remain at the centre of the care, and that the care delivered is completely individualised. From the moment a patient arrives with us we are by their side, fully supported by a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
The unit, located at The Wellington Hospital in St John’s Wood, is home to a One-Stop Breast Clinic, a rapid access, consultant-led service, where a patient’s breast concerns can be investigated using the very latest digital mammography, clinically appropriate imaging can be undertaken and results can be given, in a single visit. Open since 2011, we have established a reputation for providing a consistently high standard of care that requires a relentless focus on quality, expertise and support for patients whatever the outcome.
Our strength lies within the excellence of our clinical teams; we have an exceptional team of consultants, nursing and therapy staff whose skills and experience enable us to care for all breast care needs.
A comprehensive, one-stop breast service
We understand how important it is to receive rapid access to a multidisciplinary breast care service. At the Platinum Medical Centre, in our breast care unit we are able to offer same-day access to our triple assessment breast care service.
Medical history and clinical breast examination
To start, your consultant will talk to you about your medical and family history before examining your breasts and lymph glands.
Mammogram or ultrasound or both
Next, you'll have a mammogram or ultrasound scan (or both) by specialist radiographers so your consultant can get a clear, detailed picture of your breast tissue. In most cases the results can be given on the same day.
Image guided biopsy (if needed)
If your consultant wants to investigate further, they do a biopsy. For your peace of mind, we see you again two to three days after your assessment to talk you through your results. If it's not the result you were hoping for, your consultant acts quickly to create a treatment plan for you.
You can self refer to the breast unit
We offer a self-referral breast mammography service. Every mammogram is reported by two independent consultant radiologists and we provide results (including a written report) within 48-72 hours. This is offered to women who meet the self-referral criteria:
- Are aged 40 and above
- Are asymptomatic
- Are fit and healthy
- Haven’t had a mammogram for 12 months
- Have a named clinician who we can pass your results to
State-of-the-art imaging technology
The Breast Care Unit is supported by the latest imaging technology, something which is vital in detecting breast cancer early and improving outcomes. Our pioneering equipment reduces the number of times you may need a scan, decreases waiting times and increases reliability and speed of the diagnosis.
3D Hologic Mammography Machine
We use high resolution digital technology combined with low-dose X-rays to image the breast and detect even the smallest abnormality in breast tissue. This produces exceptionally sharper images in both 2D and 3D allowing greater accuracy for surgeons targeting the breast tumour.
A breast coil for 3T MRI scanner
This provides increased sensitivity that is especially good for diagnosis in younger women and those with dense breast tissue.
Did you know
9 out of 10 breast lumps investigated are found to be benign. But it’s important for women to get screened and have any concerns diagnosed.
Key treatment options
Oncoplastic procedures
The breast care unit holds joint clinics with the oncoplastic and plastic surgeon where cases are reviewed in joint consultations. If you need a mastectomy we can offer you the full range of breast reconstruction options. If you are undergoing immediate or delayed breast reconstruction, or for patients with a BRCA mutation requiring risk reducing surgery, you are welcome to attend our breast reconstruction awareness group. Here you have the opportunity to meet other women who have already had breast reconstruction and share support in a relaxed and informal way supported by our clinical nurse specialist.
Inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy
The team of specialists at the Chemotherapy Unit at Leaders in Oncology (LoC) who are also based in the Platinum Medical Centre assess and treat patients who are undergoing systemic anti-cancer treatments. The highly-skilled team of senior nurses and oncology doctors provide a supportive environment for all patients receiving chemotherapy and related treatments, such as hormonal therapy and immunotherapy. All patients attending the unit are offered a one-to-one educational session with a specialist nurse prior to starting their treatment. Should you have any complications or side effects of chemotherapy, we can organise immediate admission to our Acute Admissions Unit.
Radiotherapy
Our team of cancer specialists work closely with our world-leading oncology consultants. All of our patients regardless of the treatment you receive, have ongoing follow up through our MDT to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your family
Menopausal clinic following breast cancer treatment
Women visiting our breast care clinic may also be experiencing menopausal symptoms. Many of these can be treated and to help our patients we run a specific clinic alongside our work gynaecology consultants to ensure seamless care centred on your individual needs.
Genetic testing
The Platinum Medical Centre is also home to The Hereditary Cancer Genetics Clinic, a comprehensive genetic testing service. At this clinic, within 10 working days we can offer you an appointment with a consultant clinical geneticist who specialises in cancer genetics.
We provide access to the latest, validated hereditary cancer gene panel tests, which are not routinely available elsewhere. Genetic testing is particularly useful for patients with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer as they may be at risk of carrying the BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutation.
Detecting these genes is beneficial as carriers of these genes are more susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer.
Carrying out genetic testing can be particularly empowering for patients as they can make informed choices about further management and surveillance options where necessary.
If you are concerned about an increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, you can speak to one of our specialists.
We provide access to the latest, validated hereditary cancer gene panel tests, which are not routinely available elsewhere. Genetic testing is particularly useful for patients with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer as they may be at risk of carrying the BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutation.
Detecting these genes is beneficial as carriers of these genes are more susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer.
Carrying out genetic testing can be particularly empowering for patients as they can make informed choices about further management and surveillance options where necessary.
If you are concerned about an increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, you can speak to one of our specialists.
Seamless, continuous multidisciplinary care for patients
During your visit to The Breast Care Unit at The Wellington Hospital, you will benefit from the clinical expertise of a range of specialists.
We take a multidisciplinary approach to providing the right diagnosis and treatment plan if cancer is discovered. Our multidisciplinary team is composed of Consultant breast/oncoplastic surgeons, Consultant radiologists, Consultant plastic surgeons, Consultant pathologists, Consultant oncologists, Mammographers and Clinical Nurse Specialists.
In addition, there may be other healthcare professional involved in your care including our Physiotherapists, Dieticians, Clinical psychologists, Complimentary therapists, Lymphoedema specialists, Prosthesis fitters and Oncology pharmacists.
We take a multidisciplinary approach to providing the right diagnosis and treatment plan if cancer is discovered. Our multidisciplinary team is composed of Consultant breast/oncoplastic surgeons, Consultant radiologists, Consultant plastic surgeons, Consultant pathologists, Consultant oncologists, Mammographers and Clinical Nurse Specialists.
In addition, there may be other healthcare professional involved in your care including our Physiotherapists, Dieticians, Clinical psychologists, Complimentary therapists, Lymphoedema specialists, Prosthesis fitters and Oncology pharmacists.
Working together to provide exceptional breast care
Following your mammogram with us, nine out of ten breast lumps that are examined are diagnosed as being benign. However, if you do receive a breast cancer diagnosis, you can have complete peace of mind you are in the very best place to receive exceptional care with our multidisciplinary team.
Our location
Platinum Medical Centre, The Breast Care Unit
15-17 Lodge Road
London NW8 7JA
You'll find us at The Wellington Hospital in St John's Wood, North West London. We can offer same-day appointments Monday to Friday from 9.00am-5.00pm, with some evening appointments also available.
Contact us
Any questions? Get in touch and we'll be happy to help.