Easy read breast screening recall letters now available
Local Healthwatch making a difference
Self Advocate, Sharon shared her delight after receiving her initial invitation for her breast screening appointment in an easy read format and then her subsequent disappointment at receiving a follow up letter, calling her back to clinic for further tests, in a format she couldn’t understand. She explained that she felt this had taken away her independence, as she had to rely on her sister to explain the contents of the letter to her.
In response to this feedback, Healthwatch Sunderland carried out some initial research and found out that easy read breast screening letters are produced by Public Health England and there are three additional letters for patients when being recalled to the service. Unfortunately, however none of these recall letters were available in an easy read format for those patients who required them.
Following this up, Healthwatch Sunderland met with staff from Public Health England Screening, to discuss the need to make reasonable adjustments and provide letters in an easy read format, at all stages of the patient’s treatment. The team agreed that this needed to be actioned and started working on developing the letters.
The difference this made
After 15 months the letters were finalised by the Public Health team and are now available, ensuring patients have access to clear information about their treatment in a way that is accessible and clear.
You can see the letters by accessing the Gov.uk website:
