Enter and View: Oxford Breast Imaging Centre at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford

Healthwatch Oxfordshire made an Enter and View visit to the Oxford Breast Imaging Centre at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford in September 2025. This visit was part of a programme of visits to a range of services within Oxfordshire. 

During this visit Healthwatch Oxfordshire spoke to five patients and eleven members of staff.

Key findings

• The centre was clearly signposted from the hospital entrance, with opening times displayed at the main entrance.
• A wide range of information was available, including translated materials, interpreter booking guidance, health and wellbeing information, and details on how to give feedback.
• A hearing loop was available.
• The environment was clean, tidy and well‑maintained.
• Clear internal signage and colour‑coded waiting areas (blue and yellow) helped patients navigate to their appointment rooms.
• The décor created a calm and welcoming atmosphere, though some scratches and marks were visible on floors and paintwork.
• Multiple waiting areas were available, including a large room adjacent to reception with further information on display.
• Patients praised staff professionalism, compassion and responsiveness.
• Staff said they felt well supported in their training and development.

Recommendations

In its report, Healthwatch Oxfordshire made the following recommendations to OUH:

• Display a welcome sign at the entrance to the centre.
• Explore ways to increase community awareness of the breast imaging service, including promoting the fact that people over 71 can continue to book screening appointments.
• Provide entertainment options, such as magazines or a television, in waiting areas to help patients feel more relaxed while they wait.
• Consider developing a pilot scheme allowing patients to call and book appointments, to assess whether this approach could help reduce the number of missed appointments.
• Continue working to improve parking and transport arrangements to ensure sufficient and accessible parking spaces for all visitors.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire sent its report and recommendations to OUH. The Head of Patient Experience replied with a detailed response and action plan setting out how the trust intends to make the suggested improvements.