Cervical smears

The Practice has a screening programme with automatic recall. Current recommendations state that women between 25 and 49 years should have a smear test every 3 years and women between 50 and 64 years should be tested every 5 years. A smear test is a simple way of assessing the health of the cervix. Experts can check and recognise changes which suggest that cancer may develop in the future.

Please contact the Surgery for your result. Occasionally you may be asked to have a repeat test. This can be for technical reasons (the cell sample was obscured) or because there is a concern regarding some of the cells.

The Doctors may be instructed to repeat the test at intervals or to refer you to a gynaecologist for a closer inspection or for colposcopy (an out patient procedure).

We know that some of our patients do not take up the offer of cervical screening, despite several invitations. If you have not responded to 3 invitations we will send you a letter to sign, instructing us that you do not wish to take part in the screening programme.

You will be given the opportunity every 5 years to change your mind.

You can see any of our nurses for a smear test.