Reducing Declines in Newborn Bloodspot Screening

Boosting Health Professionals’ Knowledge & Confidence

Delivered by ICE Creates, with NHS England.

About the Session

This session shares findings from a nationally commissioned project exploring why some families decline Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBBS), with a particular focus on families who have recently moved into an area (‘movers in’).

Drawing on qualitative insight from parents, health visitors and laboratories across England, the session highlights key barriers to uptake, system-level challenges, and practical actions that can support more informed decision‑making. Attendees will hear how improved communication, clearer pathways and better support for health professionals can help reduce inequalities in NBBS access and uptake.

The session will share evidence‑based learning and practical recommendations relevant to frontline teams, ICBs and public health professionals working to improve screening equity.

What the Session Will Cover

This session will explore how improved support and systems can:

• Reduce NBBS declines among ‘mover in’ families
• Strengthen health visitors’ confidence in holding screening conversations
• Improve communication about NBBS purpose, benefits and conditions screened for
• Address barriers related to language, literacy and health system unfamiliarity
• Reduce structural and postcode-related inequalities in NBBS access
• Improve accuracy and consistency in recording screening outcomes

Why Attend?

Insight from national research
Hear key findings from a qualitative study involving health visitors, parents and laboratories, highlighting real-world challenges and opportunities.

Practical learning for frontline teams
Understand what works, what doesn’t, and where small changes can make a meaningful difference to uptake.

Actionable recommendations
Take away clear, evidence-informed recommendations to support improved engagement, delivery and data quality.

System-level perspective
Learn how data recording, pathways and local delivery models can unintentionally contribute to inequalities — and how these can be addressed.

On‑Demand Access

The session will be recorded and shared on the NHS Futures Reducing Inequalities Hub allowing access to shared learning and future reference materials.

(Join the workspace to access slides, recordings and related resources.)

Who Should Attend?

This session is relevant for:

• NHS England screening and vaccination colleagues
• Newborn Bloodspot Screening programme teams
• Health visitors and health visiting service leads
• Integrated Care Board (ICB) screening and inequalities leads
• Local authority public health teams
• Professionals working with migrant, asylum-seeking or mobile populations
• Anyone involved in reducing health inequalities in screening uptake

Registration

To attend this event, please register using the green Reserve button above and confirm your booking by logging in or registering.

Questions about this event?

Name: walter johnson

Email: walter.johnson@nhs.net

Telephone: 07702408587