7 Oct 2025
Local Collaboration Restores Crucial Healthcare Service After Extreme Weather Damage
Taunton, UK – 7th October 2025 – DEOS Consulting, based in Taunton, Somerset is pleased to announce that West Devon and East Cornwall Breast Screening has successfully and swiftly reinstated its vital screening service following significant flood damage to its unit at The Merchant.
Thanks to a rapid collaborative effort between the screening centre, TIC Health, DEOS Consultancy, and Plymouth Albion Rugby Club, a temporary, convenient, off-hospital site is now fully operational.
The severe weather at the end of August, which saw Plymouth receive more than half its average monthly rainfall in just 24 hours, caused substantial flood damage, forcing the closure of The Merchant unit for the foreseeable future while essential repairs are undertaken.
In response to the disruption, the Breast Screening Centre quickly procured a mobile screening vehicle from TIC Health. Crucially, DEOS Consultancy immediately arranged for the secure and reliable transfer of essential imaging data from the mobile unit.
The mobile screening service is now conveniently located at Plymouth Albion Rugby Club, providing a centralised and easily accessible location for patients.
Leena Bhatti, Part-Time Lead Radiographer for West Devon and East Cornwall Breast Screening, commented: "We are so pleased with the rapid response from both TIC Health and DEOS to get the service back up and running for us, and to the Rugby club for allowing us to use their car park. The service will benefit local people for the foreseeable future until The Merchant service is back. The priority was always to ensure the continuity of this important service for our community."
Viv Barrett, Director of DEOS Consultancy, added: "When we received the call about the flood damage, our team worked immediately to implement a robust and secure data transfer solution. Ensuring the uninterrupted flow of critical patient images is paramount to maintaining the high quality of the breast screening service. We are proud to have played a part in this rapid, multi-agency effort to support the health of the local community."
Patients who had upcoming appointments at The Merchant unit are asked not to attend that location. They will be contacted directly with a new appointment time at the Derriford Hospital unit or the new mobile unit location. Alternatively, patients can telephone the screening office on 01752 431652 to rearrange their appointment.
The Breast Screening team extends its sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their understanding and patience during this time.
About West Devon and East Cornwall Breast Screening:
The service provides essential breast screening and diagnostic services to the women of West Devon and East Cornwall, operating under the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
About DEOS Consultancy:
DEOS Consultancy (www.ukdeos.com) provides specialist IT and data solutions, focusing on secure and reliable system implementation and data transfer for healthcare and other sectors.
