Thousands of women across Leeds are already benefitting from the new unit, at the hospital's Brotherton Wing, which has cost £1.3m to create.

The department, which has brought together services previously spread out across the city, includes £300,000 worth of new radiology equipment, art displays and state-of-the-art digital x-ray machines.

Kay, who wrote hit TV shows Fat Friends and Band of Gold, said: "I think every woman lives under the shadow of breast cancer and I'm hoping that the ongoing research will soon draw some conclusions for us. But in the meantime, I think a special breast unit like this is absolutely fantastic.

"It feels like a cross between a hotel and a private hospital. It's airy, it's light, it's beautiful and it's comfortable.

"The new unit is a very nice place and a place that doesn't feel daunting to come to."

Consultant breast surgeon and clinical director for the new service, Kieran Horgan, added: "Bringing existing facilties together into a single unit has been a big step forward in enhancing the level of care and improving our ability to give local women the best possible treatment."


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