BreastScreen SA is welcoming South Aussies with sensory sensitivities to enjoy their new inclusive services. Starting from the end of this month, these monthly specialised clinics will be held at various locations across the state, including rural and remote areas serviced by mobile screening units.
The clinics are an initiative aimed at accommodating people who might find the traditional screening environment challenging, with modifications such as quieter, less crowded waiting areas, extended appointment times, and customised lighting.
Additionally, a fragrance-free environment and the availability of sensory relaxation tools, such as headphones will be offered to enhance comfort and reduce stress.
BreastScreen SA conducts approximately 95,000 breast screenings annually through its 11 clinics, including eight fixed and three mobile clinics. The service is targeted at women over 40, primarily those aged 50 to 74, who have no symptoms of breast cancer. The screenings, offered free every two years, aim to detect breast cancer early before it can be physically detected.
These enhancements follow a pilot phase conducted between February and May of this year, involving the screening of 20 women, many of whom had not previously participated in screening procedures.
The pilot received positive feedback, leading to a broader rollout. Special training in sensory processing has been provided to the staff by an external consultant who also performed an environmental audit.
Lauren Civetta, BreastScreen SA Program Director, commented on the launch: “As we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are pleased to be introducing a new service which will ensure more South Australian women have access to a breast screening service that is caring, high quality, and safe.”
She noted that the suggestion for such clinics came from the service’s radiographers, who aimed to make the program more inclusive and increasing participation among women with sensory sensitivities, such as those with autism.
“These monthly clinics represent a significant improvement to the design and delivery of our service, reducing barriers and making this important health check even more accessible to South Australian women,” Civetta added.
BreastScreen SA’s commitment to offering supportive environments extends to understanding client needs on a deeper level.
Emily Mishal, Associate Nurse Unit Manager, explained the motivation behind the sensory-friendly clinics: “We understand that health clinics can provide an overwhelming sensory experience for some clients, and this can be a barrier for some women to attend their regular breast screen appointments.”
Mishal further stated, “These sensory-friendly clinics will provide these women with a calm, supportive space tailored to their individual needs, which will improve their screening experience and make them more likely to return for their two-yearly screen.”
The inaugural sensory-friendly clinic is scheduled to take place at the Marion Clinic on Wednesday, 30 October.
For further information on upcoming dates, locations, and to book a free appointment, visit the BreastScreen SA website or contact the service directly.
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