25th April 2024
Additional phase announced
An additional phase has been added to the Southern Health Trust cervical screening review to provide extra assurance to a group of affected women.
Of the women impacted by the review announced last October, over 3,000 have had a more recent smear test undertaken through the NI screening programme. Since women have received the result of this more up to date test, there was no clinical reason to review their previous slides.
However, feedback from some women has indicated that they would prefer to have their previous slides reviewed.
The Southern Trust and PHA have considered this feedback and agreed to this request. It is expected that work on the additional phase will begin after the main review has been completed and will be finished by the end of the summer. The Trust has written to women involved to advise them of the decision.
Dr Stephen Austin, Southern Trust Medical Director, said: “Our decision is not based on any clinical grounds or concerns but is intended to provide maximum reassurance to the women involved.
The excellent support from colleagues in Belfast, Northern and Western Trust laboratories means that this additional work will likely extend the overall slide review process by only a matter of weeks.”
The Southern Trust and Public Health Agency urge women to continue to come forward for their smear tests when invited. Results are now being tested using the Primary HPV testing process, in line with best practice across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Almost all cervical cancers (99.7%) are caused by persistent infection with high risk types of HPV. The HPV test is a better indicator than cytology of identifying which women are at risk of developing cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus and in most cases it will be cleared by the body’s immune system and have no adverse health impact. It is only when the virus persists, that it can cause cell changes in the cervix which, with time, can develop into cancer.
It is important to emphasise again that cervical screening is not a diagnostic test. It is for people without symptoms and aims to detect early changes which could go on to develop into cervical cancer if left untreated. Anyone with symptoms should always seek advice from their GP.
The Trust has a dedicated Helpline for this Cervical Review managed by highly skilled staff who are available and ready to support you. This Helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm on 0800 9520255. An answerphone is available outside these hours where women can leave your name and contact number and our staff will return your call the next working day.
Alternatively, you can email cervical.review@southerntrust.hscni.net or visit the Southern Trust Website at www.southerntrust.hscni.net following the link to the Cervical Screening Review Information Page.
Completed Reviews
The Southern Health Trust cervical screening Review is now complete for around 10,700 of these women (61 % of the total to be reviewed) as summarised below (figures as at 22.04.2024):
| Number of women review complete | |
| Slide Review | 5,851 |
| Cervical Review Smear Clinic | 1,288 |
| *Smear via NI Cervical Screening Programme | 3,213 |
| Patients who have opted out of the Cervical Screening Review | 313 |
*Note the NI Cervical Screening Programme which undertakes routine smear tests continues to run outside of the Southern Trust Cervical Screening Review. This programme is where you are invited to attend for a routine smear test by your GP every 3 or 5 years dependent upon your age. Therefore, should you receive an invite by your GP to attend for your routine smear test, we encourage all women to avail of this.
More information can be found on our Cervical Screening Review Information page