Combined priority screening days in the Wellington region

The region has been striving to reach the targets of 70 percent for breast screening and 80 percent for the National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP).

Combined screening days, organised in collaboration with community stakeholders, independent Māori and Pacific service providers, primary health organisations and primary care practices in the Hutt and Porirua regions, aimed to reach more unscreened and underscreened priority women in the area.

Leading up to each clinic, Regional Screening Services (RSS) approached high needs practices in the area for approval to use the primary health organisation’s data match reports that identify NCSP priority group women to invite to screening. BreastScreen Central also data matched with practices to invite women to breast screening and followed up with women who had repeatedly not attended appointments. The RSS team phoned the women, mostly out of hours, to book into these clinics. When necessary, the team referred these women to individual service providers.

Support and transport to services for these days was a community effort.

The screening days were promoted across the Porirua region through various community and health organisations and also advertised on community radio channels.

Overall, the screening days welcomed 166 priority group women who were overdue or under screened.

Regional Co-ordinator Robyn Fox and Chris McNamee BSC GP Liaison say that women who attended the day appreciated the opportunity to come on a Saturday and to be offered a cervical and breast screen.

Comments received from the women sum up the success of these days:

“Great service offered, first time experience, very nervous but I was made to feel comfortable, 100% satisfied with the services offered, keep up the awesome work ladies.”

“Thank you so much for your good services Saturday appointments are great, very friendly and helpful staff – I felt very comfortable in a situation that often feels awkward, good atmosphere”

“Amazing staff, felt so comfortable, what a great initiative, will recommend.”

“Very helpful lady on the phone, very friendly nurse and comfortable procedure, answered all my questions, great ladies day, thank you so much for all your work!”

“I felt welcomed and everyone was friendly and helpful. We Pacific Island women are very fortunate to be supported by your project. Malo lava and keep up the great job. You guys made me so proud.”