22/04/2026
Health Minister Hails Knitted Knockers' Work Supporting Breast Cancer Patients
During a visit to the Lurgan-based charity, Mike Nesbitt marked its 10th anniversary and underlined the vital contribution of volunteers, while noting progress on breast assessment waiting times across Northern Ireland.
The Health Minister met Knitted Knockers NI to learn more about how the group provides handmade, lightweight breast prostheses for women who have undergone a mastectomy or other breast surgery, as the charity celebrates a decade of service.
Speaking after the visit, Minister Nesbitt said: "This is a wonderful example of volunteers coming together to provide support for those living with breast cancer. Joanne Harris and her team of dedicated volunteer knitters produce over 5,000 free, handmade prostheses every year for women who have had a mastectomy or breast reconstruction.
"I am committed to improving the breast assessment service for women across Northern Ireland and the latest statistics show substantial progress in this area with current assessment waiting times halved from 12 weeks in September 2025 to 5 weeks 2 days.
"In addition to medical intervention, the compassionate support from charities like Knitted Knockers is vital, creating a social environment through the Breast Friends Clubhouse, as well as providing mental health and wellbeing assistance."
The Health Minister met Knitted Knockers NI to learn more about how the group provides handmade, lightweight breast prostheses for women who have undergone a mastectomy or other breast surgery, as the charity celebrates a decade of service.
"I am committed to improving the breast assessment service for women across Northern Ireland and the latest statistics show substantial progress in this area with current assessment waiting times halved from 12 weeks in September 2025 to 5 weeks 2 days.
"In addition to medical intervention, the compassionate support from charities like Knitted Knockers is vital, creating a social environment through the Breast Friends Clubhouse, as well as providing mental health and wellbeing assistance."
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08 April 2026
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Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has highlighted positive progress in breast cancer assessment following the publication of the latest cancer waiting time figures for the quarter ending December 2025.
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04 July 2025
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25 May 2006
10,000 women still waiting for breast screening
Over 10,000 women in Northern Ireland are waiting for breast screening in the Northern Health Board area, it has been revealed. The Northern Health and Social Services Board (NHSSB) covers the Council boundaries of Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Cookstown, Larne, Magherafelt, Moyle and Newtownabbey.
10,000 women still waiting for breast screening
Over 10,000 women in Northern Ireland are waiting for breast screening in the Northern Health Board area, it has been revealed. The Northern Health and Social Services Board (NHSSB) covers the Council boundaries of Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Cookstown, Larne, Magherafelt, Moyle and Newtownabbey.
18 May 2006
NI's radiology service to be 'strengthened'
Health Minister Paul Goggins has said action is being taken to increase the numbers of radiologists in the health service in Northern Ireland. The move follows the publication of a review of the Northern Ireland Breast Screening programme conducted by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).
NI's radiology service to be 'strengthened'
Health Minister Paul Goggins has said action is being taken to increase the numbers of radiologists in the health service in Northern Ireland. The move follows the publication of a review of the Northern Ireland Breast Screening programme conducted by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).
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