Our BreastCheck programme has started the re-accreditation process with the European Reference Organisation (EUREF) for Quality Assured Breast Screening and Diagnostic Services. EUREF accreditation provides independent external reassurance of the quality of our BreastCheck programme, and further builds trust and confidence in our screening programmes.
One of the key activities of EUREF is certification of breast screening and diagnostic services. It has developed a European programme for voluntary certification of high-quality mammography services in co-operation with the European Network of Breast Screening Programmes, departments of the European Commission, European agencies, and other interested national authorities in member states.
We were previously certified by EUREF in 2015. Certification must be renewed every five years and when it was due for renewal in 2020, it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
BreastCheck Clinical Director Dr Alissa Connors says: “Obtaining BreastCheck’s re-certification with EUREF will support public confidence in the programme and encourage good attendance rates. In addition, our staff will benefit from independent reassurance that our programme is working to a high standard.”
A delegation from EUREF visited BreastCheck in June 2024 to help us plan for re-accreditation. We have completed supporting documentation about our operational activities, quality assurance and programme data in preparation for the accreditation visit in March 2025.