A new purpose-built breast cancer screening facility has opened on the Kapiti Coast

Until now, the area's been served by a mobile screening unit, which also covers the greater Wellington region, Hutt Valley, and Wairarapa.

The Waikanae facility includes a new mammography machine, a lead-lined x-ray room, and upgraded furnishings.

The Government says the new site provides more capacity to support the increased number of women eligible under its expanded national screening programme.