Wollongong BreastScreen clinics close due to COVID-19 outbreak

The clinics in Crown Street and the David Jones department store have shut their doors, although those in Shellharbour and Nowra remain open.

Numerous others, mostly in Sydney, have also closed.

"In response to the increasing risk posed by the COVID-19 Delta strain, as well as significant cancellations and a need to redeploy staff to support the pandemic response, [local health] districts have made the decision to close individual screening services as necessary," a BreastScreen NSW spokesperson said. "Follow-up assessment clinics have not been impacted."

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The spokesperson said clinics operating within retail stores were also affected by the public health orders.

Member for Keira and Labor health spokesman Ryan Park said he had written to Health Minister Brad Hazzard to request these clinics be reopened.

"If there is a shortage of nurses then let's look interstate or to the Commonwealth for assistance but reducing access to important screening services is not the way to ensure people remain healthy both now and into the future," Mr Park said.

The BreastScreen NSW spokesperson said modelling had been commissioned to measure any potential impact of the services' suspension.

"The modelling showed that, provided women went on to screen once the program recommenced, the impact was minimal," they said.

The spokesperson said the suspension of screening services was being monitored closely.

Anyone booked for screening will be contacted to reschedule.

Anyone with breast cancer symptoms or unusual changes should see their GP for a referral for diagnostic testing.

BreastScreen NSW can be contacted on 13 20 50.