Smear Tests - Not Allowed

[Summer84]

AIBU to be outraged at my GP surgery for not allowing me the right to have a smear test?

I called the surgery this afternoon, to ask when I was due, as it feels way over 3 years since my last one and I have not yet been called in.

She checked my records and told me that I had my last smear in December 2016 - so I would not be due until February 2020.

I told her my history that they are well aware of - some time ago being diagnosed with having severe dyskaryosis, which required a colposcopy. After this, I was advised yearly smears were required. it was at the time of my last smear (December 2016) that the nurse informed me, I can go back to my 3 yearly smears.

I also told her, that for my own piece of mind I would like to book in early, if this was OK - The lady spoke to the nurse and told me that it would not be possible for me to be seen unless I thought there was an issue and if this was the case, I would have to see the GP for that.

I am rather pi$$ed off about that to be honest, as you read all over the news that the number of people missing their smears is ever on the increase - yet when someone wants to just get one done, they are not allowed....

I am going to check with my work to see if our private healthcare will cover for a consultation to have one done, I get that I probably shouldn't be as mad as what I am inside at the moment, but if it doesn't. does anybody know how I can get one?

TIA x

Phone your gp and tell them you are overdue for your smear test

You should be able to get one 3 months before you are technically 'due'
Mine was due in feb this year but we wanted to start trying for a baby before then, and if I got pregnant it would be a long time until I had another so talked to GP receptionist who said I would be eligible for one anytime from December so I booked in for then, when I explained to nurse why I wanted it early she was fine and said it was a very sensible idea! Good job too as I'm now 18 weeks pregnant!

camper it should be 3 years between 25-49 then every 5
www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/when-youll-be-invited/

Habe you changed surgery or anything? I would ring and say you realise you've missed but not been called and they should be able to check your records and book you in

Sorry cross post

But it does say on the link that if you miss you don't need tk wait for a letter

Yanbu.
I had the whole CIN3 thing and would not want to wait a moment longer for a check up. I paid for a private colposcopy rather than wait 3 months for the consultant.

It's horrible having dodgy smears . There's nothing to indicate anything might be playing up, only an internal can tell you that. At least I can check my own breasts and moles. Cervixes are tucked away and up to who knows what.

For more information about being invited for cervical screening, getting your results and opting out, you can contact the Public Health England (PHE) screening helpdesk by:

calling the helpdesk on 020 3682 0890

[email protected]

The lady spoke to the nurse and told me that it would not be possible for me to be seen unless I thought there was an issue and if this was the case, I would have to see the GP for that.

So see the GP and tell him/her about your issue. Simple.

if the CIN has been treated and the follow up smear is clear you don't need it yearly - you can return to 3 yearly cycles as you are clear of abnormal cells

I know it's worrying - I had the same as you OP - but unless you have other symptoms you don't need them more often

camper how frustrating and wrong of them.
I would complain in writing to the practice then to NHS England.
It says on the NHS website (link up thread) if you are overdue but not had a letter they can still test you. A quick Google could tell them that nothing technical needed!
There has been issues with letters not being sent out previously so perhaps you have been missed off somewhere

For more information about being invited for cervical screening, getting your results and opting out, you can contact the Public Health England (PHE) screening helpdesk by:

calling the helpdesk on 020 3682 0890

emailing [email protected]

Try contacting the above as they are probably responsible for producing the letters

I’m Confused- OPs smear isn’t over due- it’s not due until December 19. She’s been changed back to every 3 years

Can't you go to your local sexual health clinic? I'm pretty sure they offer them there?

May be different depending on where you are though?

You have to be recalled like others are saying and this isn’t generated by the GP surgery

The only time I have had an ad hoc one was when I had some symptoms and a GP, not nurse referred me back to colposcopy. All was fine but I have had severe cell changes myself in the past and feel anxious waiting for my 3y invitation which is due this year so I know how you feel - but it is not the surgery who make these decisions

You can see your GP for advice and support or pay privately

A practice nurse may be able to confirm but I am not sure that they can always do this via open Exeter without the invitation

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/607503/Cervical-screening-call-and-recall.pdf

The smear programme is run by the local health pct/ccg or whatever they are now. You will get a letter after three years. They can't just do them a year early

If you have one done privately then you can do them as often as you like. I have mine done annually through choice and it costs £150 inc clinical examination by private GP specialising in women’s health. I use my local private hospital.

The OPs next smear is due December 2019 but she's being booked in for February 2020 so its only 2/3 months after her "expected" date - could there be less tests available in December/January to allow for lab holidays?

I don’t think she is trying to book for either December 19 or February 20 (why would you book so early?) she wants one now in advance

Sexual health clinics only offer them now if they are commissioned to do so, and if GPs in your area do them, then it's unlikely the sexual health clinic will. They can only do what they're paid for.

By all means call if you have a particular concern, but you won't get a smear on the NHS unless you're due one.

If they do it early the cytology lab rejects it and the nurse gets in trouble for taking it.
They were right in saying speak to the GP and if an early one is needed I'm not sure if the GP requests or you'd need a gynaecologist to say it's necessary.
So yes it seems unfair to someone who doesn't work in that sector. But they can't just take them. It's similar to having a blood test, you can ask the phlebotomist to take whatever tests but they can only take what the GP has requested because it all costs money. The amount of times a week I call a lab and tell them why we need that certain blood test and I need it tested now, rules are there for a reason I'm afraid OP. Speak to your GP and you may get some more clarity on the situation x

Many thanks all for all of your replies.

So maybe in my own mind, I over reacted slightly.

I guess the reason I would have liked to go early is down to the fact, I originally thought I was overdue, hence the reason I called the surgery to ask in the first place as well as knowing what has happened in the past (frustration of waiting and uncertainty)

My Nan, Mother and Aunt all had to have hysterectomies before they were 40, I am 35 next month.

I am also TTC for the first time and I just don't want any complications.

I guess after reading through all your comments, I could probably call back again and explain everything (properly this time) and see what they say.

And then if they still can't book me in, I will look at going privately.

Many thanks all, I have calmed down now over my over reaction, I also was not aware of the nitty-gritty processes of the labs etc.

I suppose I just was not expecting a "no we cannot see you" response x