To not go for scan in a car park

[JesusSufferingFuck22]

I’ve been given a breast screening appointment. It’s in a mobile unit at our local supermarket.

I have mobility issues due to MS and think it’ll be a challenge for me to get there.

Does anyone know how accessible these vans are? I use a manual wheelchair but can walk a short distance/use stairs with handrails.
I’ve emailed them and let them know my needs but I’m feeling pretty uncomfortable about it. It’s like my disability will be on display in a car park. Can I request to have my appointment elsewhere or am I being too sensitive?

@ThighMistress I know no one can see in them but it has crossed my mind that a determined perv could have a peak at my squashed breasts. What a treat😂
@JazzleRazzle
oh. Toilets. I hadn’t even thought about that. Yeah, I think I’ll have to find an alternative if there isn’t one on board. Potentially having to rush to supermarket loo isn’t going to work. My MS plays havoc with my bladder.

Ours moves between small towns parking in supermarkets, it's great because it saves driving a long way and booking nhs transport for others. The one here has a ramp, a toilet and they park in the corner for discretion (though no idea why you should be embarrassed)

It really is very common for the mobile screening units to be in car parks, I mean they need to be “parked” somewhere. Your disability is surely no more on display attending a mobile screening unit than it is when you go anywhere else.

I am 52 and was called for my first mammogram last year, in a mobile unit in a car park. I parked immediately in front of it and there were maybe three steps to get inside and there was possibly a ramp as well but I don’t recall.

Our mammogram lorry is pink with a ramp and hand rails. And a notice on the door that says Women only. 😀

It's not subtle but it's perfectly accessible.

Hi Op. I’m not sure if this is relevant. I work in CT and MRI Van in a car park. There is a lift access for bed and wheelchair. I would ring them and check.

I've always had mammograms in the mobile unit at the local supermarket car park. It is easier than going to the hospital which is further away, is a nightmare to park at and then a trek into the hospital. Park right next to the mobile unit and a couple of steps or a ramp at our local one. Very quick and I've never felt vulnerable.

You are not being too sensititve at all. What will you do with your wheelshair when you're in there? On my appt form there was a question that asked if you were able to climb 6 steps unaided. I am disabled (stairs and hills are my nemesis) but felt I could do this. The steps are quite steep, but they are robust so I was able to do it with the handrails. But if you say you're not able they will reschedule you for the hospital I believe.

There is usually a ramp at ours. My friend won't go to have her breast screening done ever because she's convinced that "everybody knows what you're doing"!

Completely understand your hesitation about car park vans being used for this. I suppose it’s convenient for some but I’d feel exactly the same as you. I’d rather have an important appointment like that in a medical building.

You’ll already be on the car park & you say that you can manage stairs & rails so just give it a whirl. Ours is on the hospital car park. I can’t remember if there’s anything other than stairs. I’ve never seen anyone in there other than 1 staff on reception & she screens you too. There’s just 2 cubicles. They tell you which door to go in & come out, so you don’t bump into anyone. It’s quite a good little set up I think.

Would rather go to a supermarket than hospital as it feels less clinical and I can park easily and do a bit of shopping. I’m pretty sure they will have ramps for wheelchair users. There is no shame in attending a screening or in using a wheelchair. Big girl pants time OP.You’ll be fine.

I've had 2 scans in the mobile unit which parks on the hospital car park. There are at least 6 steps up to the door and no ramp. And for the person who asked if there's a toilet in there - there isn't in this one. The very pregnant receptionist left me waiting outside and locked the door whilst she walked across the hospital car park to the main building to go to the toilet.

That's ridiculous.

Can you stand for a few minutes while they do the scan.
I struggle and have been told to ask for a hospital appointment next time due to pain. They will be able do it while I lie down
Phone the number on you appointment letter if this is an issue

They are great. I went to one in Morrisons. Unlike hospital where you have to arrive an hour early and drive round looking for a space that will cost you £££, then walk miles to the door, you can park at the door. No miles of corridoors, stairs, lifts etc.
Inside it's just a clinic.

Our one isn't accessible but you can request an appt at the hospital instead if necessary.

I know the NHS is struggling, but sending us to a chicken factory is a step too far.
Unless chickens have started having their breasts mammogrammed too?

There are steps and no ramp at the type of unit that comes to our town. Not many steps, but fairly steep, with a decent handrail. My mobility isn't great and I usually get an anxious 'will you be okay on the stairs?' when I arrive. I usually want the toilet by the time I get there, so I go before presenting myself at the unit.

@JesusSufferingFuck22

i do understand how you feel, I'm not sure people will though because I wouldn't have until now.

The ones I've seen/used have been in the quiet corner of the carpark, well away from the supermarket entrance and I think only once, when I was a bit early, have I ever seen anyone else coming or going.

tgere aren't many stairs (4/5) and I'm
pretty sure there was a ramp.

personally I'd choose to go to one over a hospital (fewer people, easier parking etc).

IF you're going by car you'll probably be able to park right outside it & not need to get your wheelchair out even.

please try not to worry.

YANBU to wonder what the facilities are like, there's more to being accessible than just having a ramp. I can't believe how callous some of these answers are.

Absolutely and I have told her how ridiculous she's being but she won't change her mind 🤦‍♀️

@JesusSufferingFuck22 usually the units are fairly discreet all the best

I've attended one or two of these screening sessions, there were just a few steps to get up into the van and it is quite compact inside and I'd say fairly easy to move around.
The assistants are incredibly kind and helpful. Having had breast cancer and recovered, I found them very reassuring. I would say please try to go, they do their utmost to help you feel comfortable and I'm sure would help you access the van if necessary.

There will be a contact number on your appointment letter, they will be more than happy to assist with any questions you have regarding access etc

Mine was up a few aluminium steps with good handrails, I need them to haul myself up. Inside, it was just like being in a building, very private. Better to try to go than not for such a serious check.