Escalation process for non-submission of evidence
Updated 27 September 2024
Applies to England
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/breast-screening-programme-specific-operating-model/escalation-process-for-non-submission-of-evidence
The screening service should provide evidence to the screening quality assurance service (SQAS) at least 11 weeks before the QA visit date.
SQAS should follow the escalation process below if evidence has not been provided by 10 weeks before the visit. The process is described below in text format and as an illustration.
1. Send reminder to service manager
SQAS sends reminder to manager of screening service 10 weeks before QA visit date.
2. Is evidence received by 10 weeks minus one day before visit?
Yes: Evidence received and used at QA visit. End of pathway
No: Send second reminder to professional area lead at 10 weeks minus one day before visit date. Contact professional area lead by phone and follow up by email, giving an absolute deadline of responding within 7 calendar days at 9 weeks minus one day before visit date.
Inform clinical lead of this new deadline. Go to question 3.
3. Is evidence received by 9 weeks minus 2 days before visit?
Yes: Evidence received and used at QA visit. End of pathway.
No: If proforma or outstanding evidence is not received by the absolute deadline, SQAS should inform the medical director and the director of breast screening within 48 hours of the missed deadline. Also inform the commissioner and the screening and immunisation team (SIT).
Make an immediate recommendation at the QA visit that the programme should provide the outstanding information, or confirmation it does not exist within 7 days, along with an agreed date for discussion with SQAS. End of pathway.
