Experiences of North Tyneside breast screening programme

Healthwatch North Tyneside undertook an investigation into people’s experience of breast screening services as part of a programme of work into women’s health issues.  They undertook a survey to which 314 people responded.

People were grateful to have access to the screening process and felt the experience was very good. For most people, the process ran smoothly from start to finish, information was clear and accessible, and the staff were kind, reassuring and efficient. However, for some, the booking process was difficult and the choice of venues was inconvenient for both travel and parking.

It is clear from the feedback that the service makes a significant effort to reduce barriers to participation. The invitation/ booking process was improved during the survey period, and many people said it was easy to change their appointment time or venue to a more convenient one.

Those not invited to participate in the programme would like to be better informed of when to expect their screening and notified of delays. There is an appetite for widening the scope of the programme and/or sharing the reasoning. for the cut-off points and publicising how to access the service for people outside the age range.

The report contains 10 recommendations about acting on feedback, monitoring the invitation and booking systems, venues for the service, staffing and improving information about the appointment.