North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust are encouraging the public to attend breast screening appointments through video.
The video series feature staff explaining what name(s) they give to their breasts.
The evocative campaign, they say, aims to ‘get people talking’ in a language they all understand.
The trust’s Chief Nurse, Lindsey Robertson, said that this year been an exceptionally different for everyone.
“Since March, we have had to change the way we work to support continued patient care whilst dealing with the pandemic. As a high performing organisation, our priority has and will always be our patients.
Our breast screening message
This message is about staff coming together and talking to the Tees Valley in a fun and cheeky way. The campaign has a serious undertone – do not wait, do not delay. If you are due a screening, book in and attend. If you have any concerns – the NHS is here for you. We are here’.
The video features medics, nurses and support staff from across Stockton and Hartlepool hospitals. It is fronted by Professor Jane Metcalf whose own family has been impacted by breast cancer.
Professor Metcalf explains how both her mother and her male cousin had the disease. Urging the public to attend their screening appointments whilst reassuring how safe it is to come in.
She issues this plea ‘the screening programme has literally saved lives – if you are invited in for a screening, please attend, the hospital is safe’.
North Tees and Hartlepool was the first in the region to re-introduce screening post wave one of the COVID-19 pandemic back in July, which they say has dramatically helped to reduce their backlog.
Book your appointment
Dr Naveed Altaf, Consultant Radiologist and Director of Breast Screening says that in September the service moved to open appointments. Ladies are sent an invitation letter explaining that they are due for their mammogram. They can then ring the department to arrange an appointment. This allows them to book at a time and date of their own convenience, giving them more flexibility’.
Annually, around 23% of breast cancer cases in the UK are preventable*
Professor Metcalf reinforces an important message in the video ‘whatever you are calling yours Teesside (tell us) – make sure that you get them checked out’.
Watch video one Watch video two Watch video three