Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has launched an innovative Virtual Reality (VR) breast screening experience designed to promote early intervention screening. Timed to follow the 78th anniversary of the NHS on 5 July, the initiative showcases how modern technology can transform patient care by removing the anxiety and “fear of the unknown” often associated with medical appointments.
The ground-breaking project uses VR technology to allow women to experience a virtual walkthrough of a mammogram appointment in real time; allowing them to see the equipment, room and screening process and ask any questions before they arrive at an appointment. A Health Improvement Practitioner will take the VR headsets directly into local communities for to demystify screening, ensuring patients feel informed and empowered.
The initiative specifically focuses on supporting women who haven’t engaged with screening services due to anxiety, past trauma or other barriers.
Alan Redman, Clinical Director for Breast Screening at Gateshead Health explained the importance of the initiative:
“We’re listening to the specific concerns of our patients and taking VR out into communities to demystify breast screening, helping women to understand their breast health.
“Around three in every 10 women who are eligible for breast screening do not attend their appointments, we’re keen to change that to reach everyone who should be screened. Our health promotion team have come up with this initiative as a way to reach those people.
“Breast screening is about taking control of your own health. In the same way you would check your blood pressure, it can reassure you that everything is fine, or detect small changes early.”
The Trust is using this digital innovation to meet service users where they are, rather than asking them to come to clinical sites.
Conor O’Neill, Innovation Manager at Gateshead Health, highlighted how the project reflects the Trust’s commitment to innovation:
“78 years on from when the NHS was established and we’re looking to the future. Using digital innovations to reach and engage with our service users is a key part of our future strategy. Ultimately, this technology is helping our teams provide more empathetic care and build stronger relationships with the people we serve.”
To create an environment that truly addresses patient anxieties, the Trust collaborated closely with technology specialists to build the asset directly from real user experiences.
The VR experience was created by Media Partnership an award-winning media production company in Newcastle.
Peter Armstrong at Media Partnership, commented:
“This tool was built with sensitivity to ensure service users feel in control at every stage. It provides an immersive, transparent, clear, and reassuring look at the screening environment. By allowing women to experience the process visually beforehand, in real time, we can help replace apprehension with confidence.”
Moving forward, the breast screening team, will continue to collaborate with partners in the community to foster a supportive network where no woman feels excluded from taking care of her health.