Sharon’s Story
Breast screening patients across England are set to benefit from more accessible communications thanks to a woman joining forces with Healthwatch Sunderland for vital improvements.
Sharon Bell who has learning disabilities, received an invitation for a routine mammogram in easy read – a format which she needs to fully understand written information about her care. But when the results of the mammogram meant that Sharon had to be recalled for further tests, the additional letters she received were not in easy read, meaning the 58-year-old had difficulty following them.
Easy read follow-up letters are available now
Sharon, a founder member of Sunderland People First, highlighted her experiences to Healthwatch Sunderland, which raised the issue with national bodies NHS England and NHS Improvement. As a result, a series of template follow-up letters have now been translated into easy read, improving the experiences – and potentially the safety – of countless breast screening patients across the country. These letters are available by clicking here to visit the Gov.uk website.
Encouraging people to access easy read letters
To support people to ask for Easy Read information about Breast Screening from their GP, nurse or breast screening service, Healthwatch Sunderland have also developed an easy ready poster about requesting easy read letter, click here to download the poster.
