At the end of 2024, it was revealed that the NHS was set to launch a new “ping and book” service which aims at increasing cancer screening uptake. This innovative approach will send reminders directly to women’s phones, alerting them when they are due or overdue for breast and cervical screenings.
This initiative is expected to save thousands of lives by making it easier and more convenient for women nationwide to book their appointments.
The service uses a seamless integration of technology and healthcare, ensuring that crucial health reminders are timely and accessible. By utilising digital communication, the NHS hopes to break down barriers such as forgetting to book, as well as difficulty in scheduling that often hinder women from attending these vital screenings.
The Power of Technology in Healthcare
The “ping and book” service will be integrated into the NHS App, allowing women to receive notifications and book their screenings with just a few taps.
This digital-first approach is part of a broader effort to renovate the NHS, making healthcare more accessible and efficient.
By replacing traditional letters and text messages with app notifications, the NHS aims to reduce costs and improve the overall patient experience.
A Life Saving Initiative
Last year alone, NHS breast screening services detected cancers in nearly 19,000 patients across England.
However, despite this success - over a third of eligible women did not attend their screenings.
The new service aims to address this gap by providing timely reminders and making the booking process as seamless as possible.
Here’s how the process will work:
Eligible patients will firstly receive a notification through the app
This will then be followed up by an email or text message if they don’t respond
A letter will finally be sent if necessary as an extra prompt
Experts’ Support
Healthcare leaders and cancer organisations have praised the initiative. Michelle Mitchell, CEO of Cancer Research UK, emphasised the importance of early detection, noting that almost all breast cancer patients and 90% of cervical cancer patients survive for five years or more if diagnosed at an early stage.
Looking Ahead
This newly-introduced service will initially focus on breast and cervical screenings from Spring 2025, with plans to expand its functionality in the coming years.
By early 2026, millions of women will be able to book their appointments directly through the NHS App.
This initiative is part of a larger 10-Year Health Plan aimed at transforming the NHS from an equivalent to a digital-first service, ensuring that healthcare is proactive, preventive, and patient-centered.
The NHS’s new ping and book service represents a significant step forward in women’s health. By making use of technology to improve access to cancer screenings, the NHS is not only making healthcare more convenient but also potentially saving thousands of lives.
This innovative approach is a testament to the power of digital solutions in modern healthcare and a promising development for the future of women’s health.
For further information and resources, take a look at the following links below:
NHS England » NHS ‘ping and book’ screening to help save thousands of women’s lives
https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/breast-screening-programme