shared because of governance. Breast screening unit manager. “Text reminders do work – but we struggle to get the numbers.” Breast screening unit manager. GP Endorsement: Discussions with stakeholders consistently pointed to the need for GP endorsement to ‘boost’ uptake. However, there was empathy with the current workloads of GPs and the increasing pressure that is placed on them. “We tell a GP we are coming to their area, we send them information and they provide access to their database – but GPS simply don’t have time to prioritise promotion” Screening and Immunisation lead “GPs need to be more pro-active – the surgery could send out text reminders when we know it is approaching their practice round” CCG GP Cancer lead “What would be really good if a GP saw a lady in the surgery – noticed her age and then asked her about screening and if she said she does not go - give her some encouragement– why don’t you go?” Breast Screening Unit manager Bolton CCG has been working by the Quality Care Standard and written breast screening into this. The screening unit sends a practice a GP feedback report highlighting women that have not attended following first two invite letters. The practice can then encourage DNA’s to attend, via phone, text or in writing and the women can then phone and book an appointment at which time the unit can then follow up. “We actively phone women and agree dates and then follow up with a reminder call. This has led to a 50% uptake from the DNAs (in one practice)” Breast screening unit administrator It was raised by some stakeholders that the very populations not engaging with breast screening are those that do not routinely go to their GP, except in emergency. The term ‘worried well’ was used and these are the populations that do attend GP’s and also breast screening, whereas certain ethnic minorities and LGBT communities do not attend. “LGBT don’t use GP’s. They only seek medical help to deal with health problems that are emergencies” LGBT lead Extended Hours: Several groups discussed the benefits of offering weekend and out of hours appointments, particularly helping working women and those with caring responsibilities to be able to attend more appointments. “I have responsibilities as a carer all through the week whereas I have extra help on a weekend, which could allow me the time to go” Non-participator, Salford Stakeholders discussed if evening and weekend appointments would increase uptake,
Annex 2 ; Focus Group sample Area Target criteria A Target criteria B Target criteria C Suggested geographical areas Bury BAME – Eastern European (large Polish Community in this area) Given the audience these may be more likely to be non-participators. Otherwise a mix of current or previous non-participants, first timers and current participators Mix of other demographics e.g. age / working / not working / retired Maybe recruiting via community groups Oldham BAME – Asian Maybe recruiting via community groups Rochdale BAME – Asian Maybe recruiting via community groups Bolton All need to be living in deprived areas Ideally at least half in each group to be current or previous others to be a mix of first timers and current participators, Mix of other demographics (as above) – including English speaking BAME Halliwell, Crompton and Tonge Manchester Moss Side Salford Langworthy, Broughton, and Little Hulton, Stockport Brinnington, Adswood and Bridgehall Tameside Ashton St Peters and Hyde Godley Trafford Bucklow St Martins Wigan Ince, Norley East , Scholes and Hag Fold North