Smear test clinics offered to staff at NHS trust

An NHS trust is offering cervical screening clinics for staff during their shifts.

The new scheme was set up by the gynaecology nursing team at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) to help staff fit cervical screening tests, also known as smear tests, into their schedules.

The clinics are being held monthly at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, with the first taking place last week.

Staff could book the test through email once they had received their NHS invite, a trust spokesperson said.

NHS England has pledged to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK by 2040.

Women are routinely invited for cervical cancer screenings every three to five years between the ages of 25 and 64.

Zoe Kirby, lead nurse at RWT, said the team wanted to help improve access to the service and help "tackle the challenges faced" when trying to book a cervical screening test.

“The test takes less than five minutes and can be attended during your working hours or at your convenience," she said.

Shiona Connolly, colposcopy co-ordinator, was the first member of staff at the hospital to receive the smear test during the working day.

“This service is so convenient. I haven’t had to take time off work. It was more accessible and was such a friendly service," she said.

Julie Davies, advanced nurse practitioner, who started in the cervical screening service 24 years ago, added she was delighted to be able to help women access the provision.

Figures show cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer in women in the UK, with about 3,300 new cases every year.

Symptoms of cervical cancer include unusual vaginal bleeding, changes to vaginal discharge, pain during sex or pain in the lower back, pelvis, or lower stomach.

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