Update on actions from Breast Screening survey
Rebecca Corbett, the Quality & Improvement Manager West, East Sussex, Brighton & Hove would like to share a summary of the initiatives and progress following on from our Exploring Low Uptake for Breast Screening in West Sussex Report.
Reasons for Non-Attendance
Fear and Embarrassment
Over the past 12 months, the service has attended seven awareness events across Sussex, focused on promoting breast screening and breast health. Clinical colleagues were present at these events to answer questions in a supportive, open environment aimed at reducing fear and embarrassment associated with breast screening.
In October 2024, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the service launched the Breast Screening Roadshow, partnering with key stakeholders to share information and resources. A YouTube video titled "Breast Cancer – Signs & Symptoms", featuring Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon Mr. Ross Kenny, was also released and is publicly available. This campaign achieved significant reach through social media, helping to direct attendees to events where they could express concerns and ask questions.
The service also opened one of the mammography rooms to the public at our main event for an open Q&A session. Additionally, NHS England ran a national Breast Screening Campaign from February to March 2025.
Personal or Work Commitments
To address access barriers due to personal or work schedules, the service explored the feasibility of additional Saturday clinics. Although we trialled these sessions, uptake was lower than anticipated, and further funding is currently unavailable.
The next step is to pilot evening clinics, once staffing levels are stabilised. The service is also working with Public Health colleagues to engage large employers in the region and explore ways they can support their staff in attending breast screening appointments.
Lack of Online Booking
The service fully supports the implementation of a live online booking system. While this is currently beyond our local control, we have raised this at programme boards with key stakeholders. NHS England is in the process of developing this system, they are piloting an online booking system with certain providers but no release date has been attained yet. NHS England » Transforming digital services in breast screening.
Accessibility of the Screening Unit
Historically, breast screening in West Sussex has operated via four mobile units, with our main base located at Worthing Hospital. The service recognised that the mobile units presented accessibility challenges for clients with physical disabilities, who were often required to travel to Worthing.
In response, we are working toward a long-term transition to reduce mobile units to static screening sites, prioritising accessible locations such as hospitals and Integrated Care Service sites. The service is pleased to share that we have secured space at Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath and Crawley Hospital, and we are actively pursuing an additional site along the coast, whilst maintaining one mobile unit.
Although this shift may require longer travel for some clients, it significantly improves access for individuals with physical disabilities and enhances equitable service delivery across the region.
Healthwatch survey was released in 2023. After covid the service implemented open invitations following national guidelines, open invitation invited the client to call into the office and book the appointment compared with the pre-covid method of sending a timed appointment. This caused a significant increase in calls, which at the time was reported as difficult to manage.
The service reverted to timed appointments in February 2023 and the service has seen a significant improvement in uptake.
The service also implemented a text reminder after clients did not attend to prompt them to rebook in September 2024.
Thank you to the public for taking the time to answer the survey. We continue to listen to patient feedback and improve service delivery.
