An NHS cervical screening service set up for staff has now seen more than 150 women – a year and a half after its launch.
The service at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust was first set up so staff members who were due or overdue a cervical screening test could quickly and conveniently arrange an appointment.
The service is run by the colposcopy and cervical screening team, who offer appointments at both of the Trust’s hospitals in Stockton and Hartlepool.
In the first 18 months, 155 women have had screening tests – but the service has appealed for more to come forward.
Nicola Anderson, lead specialist nurse colposcopist , who set up the service, said: “We know one of the challenges women have is getting the time to go to a screening appointment.
“These appointments are available for those staff who would benefit from the convenience of having this carried out in their own workplace.”
Encouraging all eligible women to be screened
Last year, NHS England reported that 68.7% of the 25 to 64-year-olds invited to book an appointment had attended screening in the recommended time.
Nicola added: “These figures show three in 10 of those eligible for screening do not take up the potentially life-saving offer.
“Screening helps prevent cervical cancer by using a highly effective test to check for high risk HPV, which is found in more than 99% of all cervical cancers and which may cause abnormal cells to develop in the cervix.
“These abnormal cells can, over time, turn into cancer if left untreated.
“NHS England has pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 by making it as easy as possible for people to get the lifesaving HPV vaccination and increasing cervical screening uptake.
“We are really pleased with the progress we have made since the clinics started but we want to do even more – all Trust and NHS Solutions staff who are due an appointment are free to come to us.”
Since the service launched feedback has been very positive, with comments around the “kindness”, “professionalism” and “caring” and “comfortable” way the team are.
Staff can make an appointment by calling 01429 522268 or emailing [email protected]