To think GPS should be doing smear tests?

[Lonelylockdown22]

Had a letter through to tell me to organise a smear tests, rang GP and told they are not doing any smear tests at the moment. Before the comments start, I'm aware there's a pandemic going on but most other services have started up. I work for the NHS and I was redeployed but have now been sent back to my original place of work. I'm really worried in case I do have abnormal cells and they aren't caught early, I have known people die from cervical cancer.

That seems odd OP. I had mine done 2 weeks ago. Got the letter about 3.5 weeks ago. At my surgery they're only ever done by practice nurse- never by GP anyway. Was your GP able to give a time frame for when they are likely to resume?

@Bluepolkadots42 no, was just told they're not doing them and they don't know when they will be again.

I was due last august, two appointments cancelled. Duck knows when I'll next get booked in

YANBU but I don't understand why they aren't doing them in your area yet, as I had my (routine) smear at the end of March. Surely everywhere should have been given the same guidance?

*FUCK. My new kindle hates and doesn't understand me

That's odd...can only presume as a PP said, that they're starting to catch up. I had one at my surgery last week - letter came through, had about a week to wait for appointment. Was actually way more efficient than before Covid

YANBU

YANBU, mine is tomorrow and they’re doing a blood pressure etc check at the same time for the pill I was prescribed in a telephone appointment today. Must be by trust, I’m West Herts, shame there’s such a disparity.

My smear was due in February, I was waiting until after my period to book and then everything was cancelled. I’m a bit concerned because I’ve had abnormal cells in the past which were monitored for a few years. I’m also over due a yearly blood test for my medication.

Can you afford private? I generally cant but odd things that I'm too worried about like eye problems I'll get consultations privately which are around £160 here.
Since smears are with nurses rather than doctors I would have expected under £100.

If you need treatment you do not have to continue private, just bounce back to nhs x

I had mine done about 3 weeks ago. I was surprised if anything. The results came back within a week rather than after a month! Highly recommend going private if you are worried.

I had to see a nurse about 3 weeks ago, she noticed that my smear was overdue and got me booked in, I hadn't even thought to try booking it. I also mentioned that I wanted to go back to the implant once things got back to normal and she said they were starting that service back up too.

MY GP called me in to have mine done a couple of weeks ago. The lack of consistency across everything is so frustrating.

Agreed the lack of consistency is frustrating (as with schools)
I had a smear last week.

The reason there’s no consistency is that GP surgeries aren’t run by the NHS. GPs are independent, self-employed people who contract their services to the NHS.

Some GP surgeries, especially those in rural/coastal areas, are very small, and their workforce is likely to be older and nearing retirement age.

If a surgery only has two practice nurses, and they’re both in shielding categories, then they’re not going to be able to resume smear tests any time soon.

Whereas larger surgeries with 7-10 nurses are far more likely to be able to resume normal services, even if one or two have to shield.

mine was due in march but had it rescheduled to last week. Seems to be a bit of a lottery depending on where you are based

I had mine in June. Had to wear a mask and have my temp taken but all fine.

Got my letter for routine smear 3 weeks ago, booked in straight away and had it last week.
Small practise with one nurse, who always does the smears. She was PPE’d to the hilt- mask, visor, hair covering, gloves and apron.
I had to wear a mask, but apart from that, all was the same.

Keep calling, I had a smear in June and implant change last week.