Volunteers Val and Violet recognised for 30 years of valuable service

Volunteers Val and Violet are true inspirations spending the last 30 years supporting women visiting the Breastscreen Queensland Service at Chermside.

Women who have attended the BreastScreen Queensland Brisbane Northside service at Chermside may have met Val Ferguson or Violet Montgomery in the waiting room.

For the past 30 years both these women have been volunteering at the Chermside service to ensure every client felt comfortable during their visit to the clinic.

“We have had some great times with lots of laughs,” Violet said. “Some women can feel a little anxious when they arrive so we try to ease some of that tension – a good laugh always works.”

Over the years both, Val and Violet have watched the Brisbane Northside Service evolve from a service once located in the ground floor of the old Royal Women’s Hospital into a fabulous community-based service at Chermside, Brisbane City, Keperra, Kippa-Ring, North Lakes and Indooroopilly.

“We are extremely lucky to have such a wonderful service which is located at so many places across the community,” said Violet.

“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is a timely reminder for eligible women to take advantage of the free BreastScreen Queensland Program at these locations.”

BreastScreen Queensland Brisbane Northside Medical Director Dr Jane Brazier said women of all ages need to be breast aware. This means getting to know the normal look and feel of your breasts.

“If any change in or around the breast area is noticed it is important to contact your GP without delay,” Dr Brazier said.

Dr Brazier said all BreastScreen Queensland radiographers are women and a doctor’s referral was not needed for this free service.

A breastscreen is strongly recommended every two years for women aged between 50 and 74, as this is the age group where the benefits of screening are most evident, however women are eligible to access this free service from the age of 40.

Make the time for yourself – phone 13 20 50 for your free breastscreen today.