Publish date: 12 October 2026
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust is working alongside local communities to raise awareness of breast health and help more women feel informed and confident about attending routine breast screening.
Staff from Portsmouth Breast Screening Service recently joined a Community Breast Health Workshop at Portsmouth Jami Mosque, taking important information about breast health and screening directly into the local community.
Working alongside colleagues from Breast Surgery, the team spoke with attendees about breast health, explained what women can expect when attending a screening appointment and answered questions about the process.
The workshop also provided an opportunity for people to discuss any questions or concerns in a familiar community setting, helping the team to better understand some of the potential barriers that may make it difficult for some women to engage with breast screening.
The event comes as women registered with GP practices across Portsmouth are invited for routine breast screening over the coming months.
Dr Amy Hurley Dugdale, Director of Breast Screening at QA Hospital, said:
“Working directly with our communities is so important to help people feel informed, supported and confident about their breast health. Building relationships and having open conversations can help break down barriers and improve understanding of breast screening and the importance of early detection.
“It was a privilege to meet with members of our local community and share information that could ultimately help to save lives.”
Working with community organisations forms an important part of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust’s commitment to meeting the needs of the diverse communities it serves. By building relationships and creating opportunities for conversations outside traditional healthcare settings, teams can improve understanding, listen to local experiences and help address barriers to accessing healthcare.
Breast screening can detect changes before they can be seen or felt, providing an opportunity to identify breast cancer at an earlier stage.
Women who receive an invitation for routine breast screening are encouraged to attend their appointment.
Find out more about breast screening
For more information about the Portsmouth Breast Screening Service, including what to expect at an appointment, visit http://www.portsmouthbreastscreening.nhs.uk
You can also contact the Breast Screening Service on 023 9228 3613 / extension 3614 or email pho-tr.