Working together to overcome pandemic challenges
One of the many challenges we face in an era beyond COVID-19 is declining participation in preventative care.
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Like many health programs, breast screening data shows more and more clients are overdue for screening or have let their regular appointments lapse.
This year SEMPHN continued to work with Breast Screen Victoria (BSV) on initiatives to help engage new clients, as well as re-engage or reconnect overdue clients with screening services. We’ve focused on conveniently locating services, as well as more responsive approaches to support culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Location, location, location
The Mobile Screening Service (MSS), known as the pink van, brings the service to the community – making screening more convenient and accessible. Building on MSS past success in Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia LGAs, this year the pink van was in Kingston.
“This is the perfect service. Bringing the screening service to the community helps people with limited mobility or transport options.”
Raising awareness and reconnecting
We had remarkable success in raising local awareness with a health outreach program supported by a print, digital and radio campaign that promoted BSV services. Our multilingual promotions included a suite of in-language social media tiles to engage local Chinese communities. The outreach activities also targeted local shopping centres, organisations and health service providers, such as medical practices and pharmacies, as well as consumer networks.
“Exemplary staff from the booking process to the receptionist and radiographer. Perfect location and comfortable atmosphere. I am extremely grateful.”
Speaking our client’s language
Developed in consultation with BSV’s bilingual Health Promotion Officer, activities included in-language text messages, phone calls and culturally safe group screening sessions to reengage with Mandarin and Cantonese speaking clients and encourage them to book and attend their breast screen appointment.
Working together for better health outcomes
Unfortunately, the Omicron variant outbreak put a strain on radiographer resources and again affected screening ability. Some MSS appointments were no longer possible. Rather than not meet screening targets we reached out to Moorabbin BreastScreen – the closest clinic to the Kingston MSS van. The clinic made extra appointments available, so community members located in and around the Kingston area were still able to screen at their nearest BreastScreen clinic.
“I am unable to fault your service in any way. Beautiful people doing a beautiful job for my friends in the area.”
Together, we exceeded our initial targets, with 306 clients screened. Of these, 103 were new clients and 143 were people reengaging with the program.
Mobile Screening Service
Culturally and
Linguistically Diverse
Catchment screening
Up next:
GP-led Respiratory Centres ease pressure on primary and tertiary care
During the year, SEMPHN helped establish eight clinics to help reduce the burden on hospitals as they faced surges in COVID-19 and influenza cases.
South Eastern Melbourne PHN
Level 2, 15 Corporate Drive
Heatherton Victoria 3202
ABN 65 603 858 751
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