Government to expand cervical screening access through NHS App
Today, the NHS announced plans to roll out digital invitations and reminders for cervical screenings via the NHS App.
As part of a new "ping and book" service to boost uptake and help save thousands of lives, eligible women will first receive a notification through the NHS App to alert them to book a screening appointment. If the app notification isn't opened, a text message will follow. Letters will remain in place for those who need them.
Last year, nearly half of the women who took part in our research on women’s experience of cervical screening, told us that the ability to book screenings via the NHS App would make them more likely to attend screening appointments in the future.
Today's announcement also said that:
- From July, younger women (ages 25-49) who test negative for human papillomavirus (HPV), meaning they are at very low risk of developing cervical cancer over the next ten years, will be invited for screening every five years rather than three year intervals.
- Those whose screening sample indicates the presence of HPV, or who have a recent history of HPV, will continue to be invited to more frequent screenings.
Our Chief Executive, Louise Ansari, said:
"We welcome this change, which confirms that most women will not need to attend screening so frequently.
“Healthwatch research last year showed many women can find it an uncomfortable experience, and sometimes difficult to schedule in around their busy lives. Reducing the number of times they need to attend, alongside sensitive and empathetic approaches by health professionals, will make these important appointments easier to manage.
"Women will also welcome getting screening invites via the NHS App, which many now have on their smartphones as a one-stop health portal in their pocket. Nearly half of the women we polled last year said the ability to book screenings via the App would make them more likely to attend future appointments, so we're pleased to hear this function will also be introduced in the future."
