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BReast Care UNIT, St JOhns Wood
Personalised, patient-centred breast care
The Breast Care Unit based at the The Wellington Hospital Outpatients 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. 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.
For us, it’s critical our patients remain at the centre of the care, and that the care delivered is completely individual. From the moment a patient arrives with us we are by their side, fully supported by a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). We can offer same-day appointments Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm, with some evening appointments also available.
Our breast unit, located 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.
- A Specialist BRCA Carrier Clinic: For those who have received a result that confirms you carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variant.
The strength of our 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.
Consultations and appointments
What to expect at your initial consultation
01
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.
02
Mammogram or Ultrasound or both
Next, you'll have a mammogram or breast ultrasound scan, sometimes the consultant may request both, with our breast 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.
03
Additional tests
If your consultant wants to investigate further, they may do a Breast MRI or 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.
04
Breast treatment options
Our breast unit holds joint clinics with the oncoplastic and plastic surgeon where cases are reviewed in joint consultations. This multidisciplinary approach helps ensure each patient receives and informed decision based on their individual results. If you need a mastectomy as part of your treatment our consultants can offer you a range of different breast reconstruction options.
Available services include:
- Oncoplastic procedures
- Inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Menopausal clinic
What to expect after a breast cancer diagnosis
Miss Joanna Franks, Chair of the Breast Board at HCA Healthcare UK and Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at The Wellington Hospital shares her thoughts on what patients should expect after receiving a diagnosis, and how the care you receive should be personalised.
Breast Screening Self referral
Can you self refer to our 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 (no symptoms)
- Are fit and healthy
- Haven’t had a mammogram for 12 months
BRCA1 or BRCA2 diagnosis
Genetic testing for breast or ovarian cancer
The Wellington Outpatients is also home to a Specialist BRCA Carrier Clinic for hereditary cancer genetics, 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.
Frequently asked questions
The Breast Unit at The Wellington Hospital FAQs
Yes, we have free onsite parking for our customers.
The last time for appointments at The Breast Unit at The Wellington Hospital is XX. Appointments will need to be booked in advance.
No, as part of HCA UK we offer an Urgent Care service at The Lister Hospital. Alternatively the closest Emergency department is Charing Cross Hospital.
See a consultant
Book an appointment
Our team can help if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment. Our reception team are also on-hand if you'd like to make an appointment whilst your at the centre.