Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 5 January 2026
To ask the Scottish Government how NHS Scotland is working with mammography machine manufacturers to improve the adaptability of its equipment to enhance access for women with (a) mobility impairments and (b) physical disabilities.
The Scottish Breast Screening Service is committed to improving accessibility and ensuring as many eligible women as possible can participate in breast screening. While the NHS does not have direct input into the manufacturing of mammography equipment, careful consideration is given to the needs of women with mobility impairments or physical disabilities, during the procurement process.
As part of the procurement process, the Scottish Breast Screening Service visit manufacturers to view and assess the available equipment to assess its accessibility for patients with mobility impairments and physical disability. Currently, there is no available mammogram equipment fully accessible to all women; however, the breast screening service will continue to procure the most suitable and accessible equipment that is available, in conjunction with providing guidance to all staff to ensure accessibility is at the forefront of our service. Women who are unable to have a mammogram are provided with assistance on when and how to contact a GP to ask for a breast check and further discuss possible symptoms of breast cancer.