12th January 2024
The Southern Trust Cervical screening services review is ongoing and we are committed to providing regular updates on key aspects of the process.
Slide review update
Work is continuing on the review of cervical smear slides.
To date, 747 slides have been through the review process with full slide review complete.
674 outcome letters for the Slide Review have been issued.
Repeat smear clinics
The repeat smear clinics began on 17 November 2023 and the Trust continues to contact women to offer appointments for repeat tests.
To date, 1,333 women have been invited for a new smear and 405 women have attended.
While many smears were offered and booked, a very large number of women unfortunately did not attend their appointment.
Further appointment slots are booked for future clinics in the weeks ahead in The Southern Health and Social Care Trust.
HPV testing
We are continuing to work with the Public Health Agency and other Trusts to ensure that the review is carried out as quickly as possible. In December 2023, The Northern Ireland Cervical Screening programme introduced full primary HPV testing into the cervical screening pathway. This will enable results to be delivered for most women much more quickly. Work is also ongoing to finalise how to address the backlog of cases in a timely and appropriate manner, and this should be resolved shortly.
Laboratory Accreditation
UKAS visited Craigavon Area Hospital laboratory on 20th December 2023. The Southern Trust received formal notification of Reinstatement of Accreditation for Cervical Cytology Services on 22 December 2023.
We urge anybody with concerns to contact our cervical review information helpline (0800 9520255) or email cervical.review@southerntrust.hscni.net . Common questions and answers regarding the review are also available on a dedicated section of our website which is updated on an ongoing basis, based on queries women have raised with us.
*Note figures above reflect position at 10 January 2024
Please see link to Cervical Screening Review Information page