The Tasmanian Government has selected a company to deliver a vehicle for the state’s new mobile breast screening service for regional and remote communities.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, confirmed Varley Group Pty Ltd – a company which has significant experience in building breast screening units for health services in other Australian states – has been selected to supply and fit out the new screening vehicle.
“I am pleased that the procurement of a new Mobile Screening Unit for Tasmania has taken an important step forward, with the selection of a reputable and experienced company to supply and fit out the unit,’’ Minister Archer said.
“There have been some complexities involved with procuring the replacement Mobile Screening Unit, noting the limited availability for the fit out of such units across the country.
“We anticipate that it will be operational by September next year – however, we will do all we can to expedite this. If it can be delivered sooner, it will be.
“I understand that this is an incredibly important service for Tasmanians, particularly in regional and remote communities, and I will follow the progress of this project very closely to ensure the Mobile Screening Unit is on the road as soon as possible.”
In the meantime, eligible Tasmanians will be able to access a travel subsidy if they need to travel at least 50km each way from their usual screening location, and a reimbursement towards accommodation costs if they need to travel more than 100km each way.
This temporary scheme includes all clients whose appointment was cancelled or missed in 2025 and 2026 due to the decommissioning of the Mobile Screening Unit known as Luna, retrospective from when Luna was decommissioned.
BreastScreen Tasmania is continuing to work in partnership with cohealth and other community organisations to facilitate free charter buses from the East Coast to alternative screening locations.
BreastScreen Tasmania is also continuing to communicate with clients about how to access the travel subsidy scheme and community transport support options as required, the Minister said.
More information about breast screening and the travel subsidy scheme is available here.
