What happened
A technical fault disrupted breast cancer screening across parts of Essex, forcing the suspension of mobile units and Colchester and Chelmsford sites from early August. The problem involved a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) used to compare new mammograms with older images, a core part of how screenings are processed. The disruption left thousands of women waiting for invites and assessments as services were paused for almost two months.
The impact on patients
Patients reported booking chaos and cancelled slots as the system struggled. A resident in Chelmsford said she had tried to book on four separate occasions and was repeatedly told no appointments were being taken. Others described sessions being rescheduled or cancelled upon arrival, prompting concerns that delays could affect outcomes in a condition where timely detection matters. Healthwatch Essex warned that cancelling appointments creates barriers to care and could deter some people from seeking screening or treatment.
Backlog concerns and clinical risk
Breast screening is offered nationally to women aged 50 to 71, with the Essex disruption raising questions about backlogs and potential clinical consequences. Healthcare leaders acknowledge the backlog risk, particularly given the rapid progression of some breast cancers. Local residents and councillors pressed for urgency in restoring services and mitigating any long-term impact on patient outcomes.
ESNEFT’s response and the recovery plan
The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust (ESNEFT), which runs the service, confirmed the issue has been resolved and that screenings would resume. Affected patients were told they would be contacted for new appointments, with the authority stating that around 7,000 patients would be offered fresh slots. ESNEFT described a recovery plan aimed at seeing all paused patients as quickly as possible and ensuring the backlog is managed in the coming weeks. The note of reassurance followed criticisms that contingency planning for a failed software implementation appeared lacking.
What to expect next
With the restart, health officials are prioritising a catch-up of invitations and screenings, focusing on those who had their original screening invitations cancelled or delayed. The trust emphasised that continued monitoring and patient safety remain at the forefront as services return to normal capacity. Local MPs and watchdogs have called for transparent reporting on progress and for ongoing support to those navigating the backlog.
What you should do if you’re concerned
If you have questions or worries about a missed or delayed screening, Healthwatch Essex advises contacting them at 0300 500 1895 or visiting their website for guidance. Prospective patients who were affected should expect contact from ESNEFT about rebooking and are encouraged to use the newly opened appointment slots as soon as possible to minimize any risk from delays.
Bottom line
While the technical fault is now fixed, the Essex breast screening glitch has underscored vulnerabilities in the screening pathway and the importance of robust contingency plans. The focus now is on efficient rebooking, clear communication, and ensuring that the 7,000-plus women affected receive timely screening and care to protect against the risks posed by delayed detection.
