An innovative new breast cancer unit, which aims to provide patients with faster diagnosis, has launched at Whipps Cross Hospital.

MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, Iain Duncan Smith, opened the £300,000 Peter Frecker Breast Unit on Friday, July 1.

The new clinic offers a “triple assessment service”, not commonplace in the UK, which allows women to get an examination, scan and biopsy during the same appointment.

Alwen Williams, chief executive of Barts Health, said: “We are committed to making sure Whipps Cross is a thriving local hospital, fit for future health needs.

“Thanks to our wonderful staff listening to our patients, we now have a space that provides responsive and compassionate breast cancer services.”

The new service will mean that the trust follows the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines to ensure it offers 90 per cent of patients a triple assessment.

The unit is named in honour of surgeon Peter Frecker who has worked at Whipps Cross since 1984.

Mr Frecker has led the development of breast services at the hospital and set up a combined service with Broomfield Hospital for reconstructive breast surgery.

He said: “The opening of this clinic is a landmark moment. I have had the honour to work at Whipps Cross and serve the good people of east London for over thirty years.

“Slowly but surely, I have watched provisions for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer improve.

“Now patients can get their examinations, scans and biopsy in one visit, saving time and greatly improving their chances of successful treatment.”