Superbus takes lead in mobile cancer battle
Un autobus qui mène une bataille contre le cancer
By Nigel Gould
17 January 2006
A £1m state-of-the-art superbus that will deliver a unique mobile cancer screening service for more than 10,000 Ulster people, hits the road in September.
The Action Cancer vehicle will house digital mammography, counselling and complementary therapy rooms, a training suite, hi-tech computer terminals and a crèche.
The 14 metre-long articulated unit, which is to be supplied by Brown's Coachworks, Lisburn, will have expanding sides which double the interior space.
The Big Bus will also be fully self-sufficient and accessible, with an internal generator, toilets and a lift for disabled users.
Action Cancer chief executive Robin McRoberts said this major healthcare initiative will be the first of its kind in the UK and Ireland. He added: "We are very excited about the Big Bus as it will enable Action Cancer to provide a comprehensive, effective and accessible regional service. It will also offer cancer services for males and females of all ages.
"Over the next 20 years cancer rates are set to increase by as much as 54%, so cancer prevention and early detection services are more important than ever before.
"The investment in the Big Bus will amount to £1.1m in the first three years, with our partner SuperValu funding £252,000 of the capital cost and also the full running costs for the first three years."