About Your Appointment

I've received a text message with an appointment for a breast screen

We have sent you a text with a confirmed screening mammogram appointment at a clinic or mobile unit within the South Island.  

Please contact us on 0800 270 200 if you need to change or cancel this appointment.

Please also contact us on 0800 270 200 prior to your screening appointment if:
 

  • You have any cough or flu symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19.
  • You have had a mammogram in the last 12 months.
  • You have been diagnosed with breast cancer within the last 5 years.
  • You have a current breast problem/new breast lump that has not been checked by your GP.
  • You have a disability or difficulty with mobility (we may need to offer you a longer appointment).
  • You have breast implants (we will need to offer you a longer appointment).
  • You are currently in New Zealand on a work/student/visitor visa.
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding (breast screening is not advisable).
  • You are going to be away from home during the 21 days after your mammogram (we may need to ask you to come back for some further tests/examinations).
  • You will need an interpreter at your appointment.
  • You will need to bring a support person to your appointment.

On the day of your mammogram

Please do not use deodorant, talcum powder, moisturiser, sunscreen, perfume or creams on your breasts or armpits. These things make it harder to see cancers on the x-ray.

If you have used something on your skin please tell the radiographer (who takes the mammogram) and they will give you a cloth to wipe it away.

You may be asked to wear a surgical mask  – if possible, please bring one with you to your appointment but if not, one will be supplied at the screening site if required.

Let the radiographer know if you have a cardiac device such as a pacemaker.

You will be asked to undress from the waist up. Please wear tops that are easy to take off, such as a shirt or jersey.

You will be asked to remove jewellery and taonga so you may prefer not to wear these.

When you arrive you will be given a form or iPad to check and complete your details.

Your appointment should take 20-30 minutes.

You may bring a support person or member of your family with you if you would like someone with you before and after your mammogram. It is not recommended that extra people are in the room during your mammogram.  Please inform us prior to your appointment if you will be bringing a support person as the number of people permitted on site is limited.

Where do I go for my appointment?

The text message you received with your appointment date and time also included the name of the clinic that you are attending.  Further address details for each clinic are included below:

Alexandra/Clyde

Mobile Unit
Dunstan Hospital
24 Hospital Street
Clyde

Ashburton

Ashburton Mobile Unit
Ashburton Hospital
Corner of Oak Grove and Elizabeth Street
Ashburton

Balclutha

Balclutha Mobile Unit
Order of St John Car Park
High Street
Balclutha

Blenheim

Blenheim – Wairau Hospital Radiology
Hospital Road
Blenheim

Canterbury Breastcare

Canterbury Breastcare
Level 2, Leinster Chambers
St Georges Hospital Complex (Papanui Road end)
Entrance off Heaton Street
Merivale
Christchurch

Cashmere

Cashmere Mobile Unit
Princess Margaret Hospital
Outpatients Car Park
Gate 3 – Cashmere Road
Cashmere
Christchurch

Culverden

Culverden Mobile Unit
St Johns Ambulance Centre
23 Montrose Ave
Culverden

Dunedin

Pacific Radiology – Dunedin Hospital
Cnr Frederick & Cumberland St
Dunedin Hospital
Entrance on Cumberland Street
Dunedin

Eastgate

Eastgate Mobile Unit
Eastgate Mall Car Park
Off Linwood Ave
Linwood
Christchurch

Frankton/Queenstown

Pacific Radiology Kawarau Park
24 Eleventh Avenue
Lake Hayes Estate
Queenstown

Greymouth

Te Nikau Grey Hospital and Health Centre
71 Water Walk Road
Greymouth

Gore

Gore Mobile Unit
Gore Multisports Complex
Off Robertson Street
Gore

Invercargill

Pacific Radiology – Southland Hospital
BreastCare Centre
Opposite the old Nurses’ Home
Southland Hospital
Kew Road
Invercargill

Invercargill

Pacific Radiology – Dee Street Invercargill
2 -10 Dee Street
Invercargill

Kaikoura

Kaikoura Mobile Unit
Kaikoura Hospital Car Park
Deal Street
Kaikoura

Lumsden

Lumsden Mobile Unit
Beside Memorial Hall
Meadow St
Lumsden

Nelson

Pacific Radiology Nelson
105 Collingwood Street
Nelson

Nga Hau E Wha Marae

Nga Hau E Wha Marae Mobile Unit
250 Pages Road
Wainoni
Christchurch

Northwood

Pacific Radiology Northwood
Northwood SupaCenta
Main North Road Entrance
Northwood
Christchurch

Oamaru

Oamaru Mobile Unit
North End Medical Car Park
4 Frome Street
Oamaru

Otautau

Otautau Mobile Unit
St John Building
199 Main Street
Otautau

Ranfurly

Ranfurly Mobile Unit
Maniototo Hospital
1 Tyrone Street
Ranfurly

Takaka

Takaka Mobile Unit
Golden Bay Community Health
10 Central Takaka Road
Takaka

Te Anau

Te Anau Mobile Unit
Fiordland Community House
21 Luxmore Drive
Te Anau

Te Awhina Marae

Te Awhina Marae Unit
133 Pah Street
Motueka

Timaru

Pacific Radiology Timaru
45 Elizabeth Street
Timaru

Westport

Westport Mobile Unit
Primary Health Centre Car Park
14-16 Palmerston Street
Westport

Wigram

Pacific Radiology Wigram
67 Skyhawk Road
Wigram
Christchurch

When do I get my results?

At least two radiologists (specialist doctors) will look at the x-ray images from your mammogram to check for signs of breast cancer.

BreastScreen Aotearoa will send your results to you within 3 weeks of your screening mammogram. Your results will also be sent to your doctor unless you tell us not to. This helps your doctor stay up to date with your health.

Please call us on 0800 270 200 if your results do not arrive.

A small number of women will be asked to come back for another mammogram because their images are not clear enough or further imaging (mammogram or ultrasound) is required.

Your Rights

At BreastScreen Aotearoa clinics and mobile units, your rights are protected by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights.

During breast screening and when talking to BreastScreen Aotearoa you have these rights:

  1. The right to be treated with respect.
  2. The right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and exploitation.
  3. The right to dignity and independence.
  4. The right to services of an appropriate standard.
  5. The right to effective communication.
  6. The right to be fully informed.
  7. The right to make an informed choice and give informed consent.
  8. The right to support.
  9. The right to decide if you want to be part of training, teaching or research.
  10. The right to make a complaint.

You can ask for more information about your rights when you visit a BreastScreen Aotearoa clinic or mobile unit. You can also read more about your rights at www.hdc.org.nz

The Health Information Privacy Code protects your privacy. You can read about the code at www.privacy.org.nz

To find out how to make a complaint you can call BreastScreen Aotearoa on 0800 270 200 or you can contact an advocate from the Office of the Health and Disability Commission for help on 0800 11 22 33.