Public Health Wales Screening Division

Background

Breast Test Wales (BTW) provides the NHS Breast Screening Programme in Wales. All women aged 50-70 are invited to attend for screening at three yearly intervals. Most screening is carried out on mobile mammography units which visit over 120 sites throughout Wales every three years, providing the service as close to women’s homes as possible. The existing fleet of mobile units was inaccessible to women who could not climb stairs. Women who could not access the mobile units were offered screening in BTW centres in Cardiff, Swansea, Llandudno and Wrexham, involving long journeys for many. A programme of equipment replacement and modernisation provided the opportunity to reassess mobile design to improve accessibility

Evidence used

• Existing data on numbers of female wheelchair users in Wales aged 50-70 (data from artificial limb and appliance service used as proxy to estimate need).
• Data on the number of women currently accessing BTW provision for disabled women.
• Discussions with mobile unit manufacturers around new methods of allowing access, including wheelchair access.
• Dialogue with service users.
• Consultation event with disability group representatives to discuss potential floorplans for new units.

Conclusions from evidence

Uptake of breast screening among wheelchair users was low, suggesting considerable unmet need. Discussions with mobile manufacturers confirmed that recent advances in vehicle design would allow improved access. Service users and disability groups provided evidence of user requirements, and allowed feedback and modification of floorplans

Outcomes

The resultant mobile design includes:

• A large stable lift which can be safely operated by the BTW staff.
• A doorbell at ground level so women can alert the staff to their arrival.
• Doors and passageways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.
• A changing cubicle large enough to accommodate a wheelchair and carer.
• A larger X-ray room to accommodate wheelchairs.

Contact information

For further information please contact Sam Grant, Statistical Directorate, Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ:

• Tel: (029) 2082 6023
• Fax: (029) 2082 5350
• E-mail: stats.popcensus@wales.gsi.gov.uk