Withernsea: breast screening service stopped after cable thefts

Thieves have targeted the Humberside Breast Screening unit in Withernsea twice

A mobile breast screening unit has been removed from an East Yorkshire town after power cables were stolen.

Thieves targeted the NHS service in the car park of Withernsea Hospital, on 24 November and 7 December, police said.

Patients have been told they will need to attend appointments in Cottingham instead.

Karen Hallberg, a superintendent radiographer from the Humberside Breast Screening Service, said staff were "upset" and "disappointed".

She said: "Our only option is to invite all ladies who have not yet been screened to Castle Hill Hospital in the New Year."

Withernsea Hospital is opposite the town's police station

Ms Hallberg said staff were aware "some women get very anxious" about breast screening appointments.

She added: "For them to have prepared themselves to attend, only to be told the appointment now needs to be rescheduled, could be really distressing." 

The thefts had also been "massively disruptive", creating additional work for staff forced to rearrange appointments for Castle Hill Hospital, which is a 40 mile (64km) round trip for people living in Withernsea.

The Humberside Breast Screening Service provides free breast screening for women in Hull, East Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.

Cable theft forces breast screening cancellations

A Humberside Police spokesperson said: "Since the reports were made to us, the local neighbourhood policing team has conducted a number of lines of inquiry, including reviewing CCTV footage in and around the area, and speaking with residents to identify those involved.

"Following these inquiries, we received a call on 12 December from a member of the public who reported they had found what was believed to be one of the stolen power cables in a park on Station Road in Withernsea. The power cable has since been returned to the hospital."

The force asked anyone with information or CCTV to come forward.