The NSS have published "A guide to screening for carers and the people they support" is to help carers in Ireland support individuals—whether family, friends, or clients—in understanding, accessing, and participating in the country's four national health screening programmes.
The guide is designed to:
- Equip carers with essential information about each screening programme, including eligibility, test types, and frequency.
- Support carers in helping individuals make informed decisions about screening, respecting their right to choose and ensuring consent is informed and freely given.
- Provide practical guidance on registration, preparation, and what to expect before, during, and after screening appointments.
- Explain how to request reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities or additional needs, making screening more accessible.
- Highlight the importance of early detection and symptom awareness, while clarifying that screening is for people without symptoms and that symptoms should prompt immediate GP contact.
- Offer resources and checklists to help carers communicate, plan, and advocate for the people they support.
Its main goal is to ensure that everyone eligible for Ireland's national screening programmes can access and benefit from early disease detection, with the right support and accommodations, and with respect for their dignity and choices.