Dorset Breast Screening Unit

Due to the COVID-19 risk breast screening was regrettably paused.

We are now re-starting our screening programme. We will be sending out a letter inviting you to call to book your appointments rather than sending out a timed appointment to you.

For more information follow this link

During this time, we expect high call volumes and staffing levels may be reduced, therefore there may be a delay getting through to the breast screening office. You may prefer to email the department on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In the meantime, if you have any changes in your breast or symptoms that are causing you concern, please contact your General Practitioner (GP).

The Dorset Breast Screening Unit (DBSU) is run by Poole Hospital, and is responsible for providing a high quality mammographic service for the women of Dorset.

It is responsible for screening approximately 140,000 women in the county as part of the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme.

Some ladies may be screened in the static unit at Poole Hospital but a large part of the screening work is done on mobile units which travel to different sites throughout the county, to enable ladies to be screened near to where they live.

The unit is staffed by a team of dedicated professionals, including radiologists (doctors who specialise in radiological procedures and film reading), radiographers, breast clinicians, breast care nurses, assistants and office personnel. Mobile units are staffed by members of the radiographic team in rotation.

When the time comes for you to be called for screening, you will receive a specific appointment telling you when and where to attend.

Symptomatic mammography is performed in the Ladybird Breast Unit by the same radiographic team. The Ladybird Unit is sited above the Breast Screening Unit.

Please use the links on the left to find out more about our breast screening services.