Waterside Medical PracticeDue to the current global pandemic regarding COVID-19 and the latest government advice, we have decided to postpone our Cervical Screening Programme.
If your last cervical screening result was normal then we will be postponing your routine screening for up to six months.
If your previous cervical screening result was abnormal then we will be postponing your early recall screening for up to three months.
What if I have previously had abnormal screening results and have missed my appointment for a colposcopy?
If you are on the early recall list due to previously abnormal screening results and have missed your hospital appointment for a colposcopy then we can arrange for you to have your cervical screening done without delay. Please contact the practice on 02392 462719 to arrange an appointment.
What if I am experiencing unusual symptoms?
It is important to remember that the cervical screening programme is not a diagnostic test to investigate symptoms. However, if you are experiencing or start to experience the following symptoms, please contact us to discuss with your GP:
- Bleeding between periods, during or after sex
- After the menopause
- Changes to vaginal discharge
What if I am concerned about delaying my cervical screening?
It is important to note that a cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause abnormal cells on the cervix, which in time could develop into cervical cancer. However, it could take ten years or more for these cells to develop. Therefore, delaying a routine screening test for a short period of time is highly unlikely to affect most individual outcomes.
What if I pass my 65th birthday whilst waiting for a screening?
You will still be eligible for a cervical screening when our programme resumes in three-six months’ time.
We hope this letter has answered any questions you may have but if you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on 02392 462719. We would also like to kindly ask that you do not attend the practice at this time, unless previously discussed with a doctor and an appointment time has been made for you.