Breast screening modernisation programme: final report

Development of Programme Vision and Outcomes

Discussion of the programme’s vison began at the onset of the Modernisation Programme. A final vision and set of outcomes were agreed by November 2022 and ratified by the confirmation of the programme definition document in early 2024.

Development of the vision originated from visioning exercises undertaken across the early meetings of the Board. This activity included ‘a postcard from the future’ where the Board were asked to position themselves as a participant, staff member or board member in 2032 involved in Breast Screening. They were to briefly highlight how screening had changed in a positive way in the direction in which the Board hopes to head. Blue sky thinking was encouraged, and no idea was considered too outlandish for this exercise.

Results were pooled and consolidated with other exercises to decide the scope and deliverables of the programme. These combined outputs were used to write a clear vision statement and identify a series of tangible outcomes for the Breast Screening Modernisation Programme.

The Breast Screening Modernisation Vision is that “Our breast screening programme is high quality, efficient, resilient and sustainable. It meets the needs of all participants, embraces improvement and innovation to maximise engagement, and delivers the best possible service for participants and staff”.

The Breast Screening Modernisation Outcomes are as follows:

• Equipment, venues and staffing are sufficiently flexible and resilient to provide capacity when and where it is needed.
• Participants are invited timeously for appointments. We strive to consistently deliver an individual round time of 36 months for all our participants.
• Participants can easily access support they need in order to make an informed choice and access screening on an equitable basis.
• Participants find it easier to book and attend appointments. Appointments are available at times and locations which are convenient to them.
• Screening venues are clean, comfortable and welcoming and conveniently sited. Participants’ experience is consistently good across the national programme.
• Screening staff feel valued and supported. Staff are able to work flexibly. The screening service is seen as an attractive place to work with good opportunities for career progression.
• Our data is accurate and robust, and allows us to demonstrate and improve the quality and efficiency of the service.
• Data is used imaginatively to support research and innovation within the Breast Screening Service.