Fairer Screening in Shetland
Closing gaps to make screening more accessible for all
Health screening helps detect serious conditions early—like cancer, diabetes complications, or pregnancy-related risks—often before symptoms appear. In Shetland, most people take part in national screening programmes, but not everyone finds it easy to access them. That’s why NHS Shetland and local partners are working together to make screening fairer and more accessible for everyone.
Some people face more barriers than others. These might include difficulties with travel, language, or understanding health information. Others may have had tough experiences with healthcare in the past, or live with disabilities, mental health challenges, or caring responsibilities that make attending appointments harder. In Shetland, even geography can be a barrier—some residents need to take ferries or flights just to reach a screening clinic.
To tackle these challenges, local services are joining forces in creative and compassionate ways. For example, a nurse works directly with women at the Shetland Recovery Hub—many of whom have experienced trauma or addiction—to help them understand screening and feel safe and supported in making health choices. This isn’t just about giving information; it’s about building trust and offering care that meets people where they are.
Another project focuses on people with learning disabilities. Health professionals are working with support services to make screening more accessible—offering easy-read materials, alternative venues, and extra help to attend appointments. It’s all about making sure no one is left out because of how services are usually delivered.
Language and literacy are also being addressed. The Adult Learning Service is helping people who speak English as a second language or have low literacy levels to understand what screening is and why it matters. Translated materials and simple explanations are making a real difference.
One GP practice is taking a deep dive into its cervical screening data to understand who isn’t attending and why. By looking at patterns—like age, health conditions, or past experiences—they’re reaching out to women directly, offering personalised support and listening to what’s getting in the way.
Local media, community hubs, and link workers are also playing a role—raising awareness, sharing stories, and helping people in remote areas prepare for upcoming screening visits, like the mobile breast screening unit due in 2025.
All of this work is guided by a simple but powerful idea: equity. That means giving people what they need to have the same chance at good health—not just offering the same to everyone. It’s about understanding real-life barriers and removing them, so everyone can benefit from early detection and treatment.
By working together—across health services, community groups, and public health teams—Shetland is showing how a small place can lead the way in making screening more inclusive, compassionate, and effective.
Contribution to the Shetland Partnership
- Participation: Involving people with lived experience to shape accessible approaches to screening.
- People: Supporting prevention and early intervention to improve health outcomes.
- Place: Making services more inclusive and easier to access across Shetland’s geography.
- Money: Ensuring resources are used effectively by reducing health inequalities and preventing costly late diagnoses.