A health trust’s new staff cervical screening service has shared its progress in its first six months since it launched.
The screening service is available to all women working at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and NTH Solutions.
The service is run by the Trust’s cervical screening team, who offer appointments at both of the Trust’s hospitals in Stockton and Hartlepool.
In the first six months of the screening service from December last year until June this year, 95 medical appointments have been arranged for staff.
Out of this number, 72 cervical screening tests have been carried out.
From these, six women were advised they would need a repeat test in 12 months and two women had results confirming the presence of pre-cancerous cells.
One of these women was Lynne Watson, a continence nurse specialist, who had treatment to remove the abnormal area.
At the age of 61, the test was due to be Lynne’s last one – as part of the national screening programme all women aged 25 to 64 are invited to be tested every three to five years.
The service was first created by lead specialist nurse colposcopist Nicola Anderson to capture those women who may have challenges making a screening appointment.
Nicola said: “The team is delighted with how the service has been received by staff so far.
“Women like Lynne are proof that if staff use the service, issues can be caught and treated quickly before they progress to cancer.
“It’s important over the next few months we continue on the progress made so far and encourage all eligible staff to come forward to use the service.
“Staff can book an appointment with us during their working day, if needed, so that they don’t even need any time away.”
Feedback left by staff who have used the service has included that the team were “friendly, professional and quick”, “made me feel comfortable and at ease” and “brilliant and convenient for staff working here”.
A smear test is not a test for cancer, but rather a test to prevent cancer – with a small sample of cells checked for certain types of high risk human papillomavirus (HPV).
Staff can make an appointment by calling 01429 522268 or emailing [email protected]
