FULWOOD Hall Hospital, in Preston, has been identified as one of the medical centres where women have received breast implants which could cause cancer or damage to unborn children.

Around 5,000 women from across the UK have been advised to have controversial Trilucent soya bean oil implants removed after fears that the oil could seep into the body, producing cancer-causing chemicals.

A former patient of the private hospital, in Midgery Lane, Fulwood, fears her soya-filled implants -- which cost more than £2,000 -- could have already leaked after her breasts decreased in size from a C cup to a B cup.

Heidi Weber, 34, from St Annes, near Blackpool, says she is devastated that her surgery five years ago could also affect the health of her 11-month old daughter, Summer.

She said: "I chose the implants because I was advised they were the safest option for me as there is a history of breast cancer in the family.

"I knew something wasn't right not long after my operation. They were extremely sore and have been like this ever since.

"I've had constant headaches, mood swings and sickness. I bruise very easily, my legs get swollen and I've suffered with depression. I'm certain all this stems from having these implants.

"Now they say it could trigger cancer and not to get pregnant or breast-feed if you have them. I can't believe this has happened. I just want to have the implants removed and be replaced with a safer option as soon as possible. I also want compensation."

Fulwood Hall is one of 13 hospitals in the Community Hospitals Group which offered the soya bean oil breast enlargements to women patients.

The group's consultants have operated on around 500 women, including patients at Fulwood Hall, before withdrawing Trilucent breast implants from use in their hospitals last year.

Now, after conducting a records audit to identify potential 'at risk' patients, the hospital is urging people contact a special helpline if they are concerned.

And hospital chiefs say patients who have had the implants fitted will be contacted and advised to see their consultant free of charge.

The advise issued by the Medical Devices Agency is that women should have the Trilucent Breast implants removed.

A spokesperson for Fulwood Hall said: "The hospital will investigate Mrs Weber's claims and will respond to her should she choose to make the complaint formal."

Women who have received Trilucent breast implants at Fulwood Hall and are concerned should call the matron, Carol Aucott, on 704111. Women who have received the soya bean oil implants are being advised by the Government to contact a plastic surgeon and have them removed as a precautionary measure.

The guidance comes from an independent advisory group governed by the Medical Devices Agency (MDA).

Based on recommendations the MDA has issued the following advice to women:

Trilucent breast implants should be removed.

Women should consult their plastic surgeon to discuss removal of the implants and options for surgery.

There is no information either way on the safety of inserting a different breast implant after removal of Trilucent breast implants.

Women should not plan a pregnancy or breast feed until after the Trilucent breast implants have been removed and should use contraception prior to removal.

A special 24 hour helpline has been set up to give women as much information and advice as is possible on (0800) 0286622.