Campaign to raise awareness of free NHS screening
PUBLIC Health Wales has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the free national screening programmes offered by the NHS.
The month-long campaign is aimed at encouraging people from across Wales to take up free NHS screening.
This year’s campaign will focus on raising awareness of all screening and look at breaking down barriers which may affect a person’s decision to take part in screening or not.
Dr Rosemary Fox, director of screening division for Public Health Wales, said: “We are keen to build on the success of previous Screening for Life campaigns by engaging with even more members of the public about screening than ever before.
“Every year, hundreds of thousands of people all across Wales take advantage of the screening programmes we offer.
“However, thousands of others ignore their screening invitation so this year we will be focusing on how we can break down the barriers so that more people are able to choose to get involved.
“By working with partners, interacting with the public on social media and by going out and speaking to members of the public, we will be able to answer any questions or concerns people may have about the screening process.”
Public Health Wales runs five screening programmes for adults – Breast Test Wales, Cervical Screening Wales, Bowel Screening Wales, the Wales Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme and Diabetic Eye Screening Wales.
It also runs three maternal and child health programmes – Antenatal Screening Wales, Newborn Hearing Screening Wales and Newborn Bloodspot Screening Wales.
Dr Fox added: “Screening really can save your life, and we would urge everyone to have a good look at the information we send them and seriously consider attending for screening.”
Throughout the month, the Screening Engagement Team of Public Health Wales will be attending events throughout Wales as well as helping others to run their own events.
Events will include coffee mornings and gentlemen’s teas in different locations throughout Wales.
Volunteers will also be supporting the campaign by working in communities to raise awareness of screening.
If you are interested in working with the Screening for Life Engagement Team or supporting the campaign by holding a local event, a free resource pack is available at www. screening.wales.nhs.uk