As Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized this October, Niagara Health is making breast screening more convenient than ever. Niagara Health's (NH) Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is making it easier for eligible patients to access screening services with the launch of Verto, a new online self-booking platform.
Patients can view available appointment options and select a date and time that best fits their schedule, in addition to being able to reschedule or cancel appointments. Automated reminders and confirmations may help reduce missed appointments.
"Implementing Verto is an important step in improving access and enhancing patient experience,” says Daisy Trojanowski, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging, NH. "By giving patients more flexibility and control over how they schedule their appointments, we are making it easier to connect them with the care they need.”
The move to Verto is part of Niagara Health's commitment to improve patient care, enhance patient experience and modernize scheduling.
The platform is particularly beneficial for eligible patients aged 40 to 74 who can self-refer to the OBSP to book a screening mammogram.
Who are eligible patients?
- Patients between the ages of 40-74 years old.
- Patients who do not have a previous history of breast cancer.
- Patients who do not have any breast concerns or symptoms.
- Patients who are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding or have been in the past three months.
If patients are eligible, they will be able to make an online appointment. If the patient remains in OBSP screening, they can continue to make future online appointments.
Patients who are not eligible for online booking, or who prefer not to use the online option, will continue to be supported by phoning OBSP.
Contact our OBSP Booking Offices at Niagara Health for questions about appointments or assistance with online booking.
OBSP Centres and Assessment Clinics
Niagara Falls OBSP Centre
905-358-4952
St. Catharines OBSP Centre
905-378-4647 Ext 46345
Welland OBSP Centre
905-732-5434
MOBILE CANCER SCREENING COACH
The Mobile Cancer Screening Coach brings breast, cervical and colon cancer screening programs to residents who are under or never screened, meaning they are eligible for free cancer screening but have never taken part or they participated once and didn’t return. The Coach features a state-of-the-art digital mammography suite, private exam room and sitting area.
Residents can book an appointment by calling 905-975-4467 or 1-855-338-3131, or drop-ins can be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Women aged 40 and up can call directly to make an appointment, with follow-up appointments made as necessary by OBSP staff.
Additional information and resources are available at Breast Screening | Niagara Health | Santé De Niagara.
Learn more about Verto.
