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Original poster

Should I go for smear test?

28 replies

whatdayisitandotherquestions · 20/04/2020 20:04

My GP surgery called to book me in for a smear.

IS a GP surgery a risky place to go right now? Is this an essential journey?

I really want to avoid DP getting sick. He's not officially in a high risk group but he's always getting sick, I strongly suspect his immune system isn't great.

OP posts:
EmmaGrundyForPM · 20/04/2020 20:09

Are you in the UK? Every GP surgery I know of has cancelled all routine checks like this.

Original poster
whatdayisitandotherquestions · 20/04/2020 20:10

Yes I am. I was surprised!

OP posts:
Diyhaircutgonewrong · 20/04/2020 20:12

Seriously? how do they think they can catch up with all these screenings and tests then. Makes me wonder if on the end more people will die because of the Corona crisis instead of dying from Corona itself.

Original poster
whatdayisitandotherquestions · 20/04/2020 20:12

I don't know if it makes any kind of difference but my GP is a strange outsourced entity.

In practical terms, as far as I'm concerned it's just my local NHS GP but I know actually it's some kind of semi-private thing that the NHS outsources to. No idea of the details. I bet most patients there aren't even aware. But I wonder if that makes a difference?

OP posts:
AmelieTaylor · 20/04/2020 20:15

I suspect it's an auto thing that wasn't turned off properly. I'd be VERY surprised if it's going ahead right now

I'm not sure what I'd do...but I think I'd give it a swerve until later in the year, but I have underlying issues - if you don't you should probably should go if it's due.

AmelieTaylor · 20/04/2020 20:17

Cross posted.

Not sure ... I don't think it changes my reply though

Bathbedandbeyond · 20/04/2020 20:17

I’ve been called too, I’m not going to go yet I don’t think.

AmelieTaylor · 20/04/2020 20:18

Re your DP. Just shower & wash your clothes when you get home.

EmmaGrundyForPM · 20/04/2020 20:20

My smear has. been cancelled as has my routine mammogram which is why I asked if you are in the UK. I'm sure I read that all GP surgeries have. been instructed not to do routine checks unless there is a good reason.

itsbetterthanabox · 20/04/2020 20:22

I got a letter yesterday inviting me to book mine.
I assumed it was automatic as its been 3 years. I'm going to wait to book.

breakingbetter · 20/04/2020 20:23

I've been sent a letter, I still need to call them to book and if they are going ahead. If they are, then I will go.

GP's aren't seeing patients face to face routinely - they are doing video and phone consultations. If there are any symptoms of COVID then they are categorically not seeing the patient.

Diyhaircutgonewrong · 20/04/2020 20:25

In answer to your question - I would probably go. Just wash hands and clothes when you come home and don't wait in the waiting room if that is an option.

Original poster
whatdayisitandotherquestions · 20/04/2020 20:27

I suspect it's an auto thing that wasn't turned off properly. I'd be VERY surprised if it's going ahead right now

It was a person who called me, not a letter, we spoke on the phone.

OP posts:
Original poster
whatdayisitandotherquestions · 20/04/2020 20:28

Re your DP. Just shower & wash your clothes when you get home

He'll be giving me a lift.

OP posts:
Original poster
whatdayisitandotherquestions · 20/04/2020 20:28

Hmm. Maybe I should walk instead (45 minute walk).

Means I'll be gone for ages though.

OP posts:
Greenmarmalade · 20/04/2020 20:31

I’d go. In fact, I’m due mine but assumed they’d stopped. I’ll call them tomorrow!

I had cin3 treatment years ago so i think it’s worth going in.

Theweasleytwins · 20/04/2020 20:34

I'm going to mine tomorrow

user1493413286 · 20/04/2020 20:36

I’m going to my GP this week for my sons immunisations and they said they’ve set up different entrances and waiting rooms so that we won’t be anywhere near any patients and the nurse will be wearing a mask plus anyone with known symptoms wouldn’t be going there.
This is going to go on a while and last time I delayed my smear several months they found abnormal cells which would have required less treatment if I’d gone when I was supposed to so I personally wouldn’t miss it again.

AlfieandAnnieRose · 20/04/2020 21:01

I went for my mine in the beginning of April. The surgery practiced strict social distancing and people couldn’t just walk in as the door was locked. There was also hand sanitizer to use.
The nurse said she expected my results to be delayed but I received them exactly 2 weeks later which I was very surprised about. But obviously because hardly any smear tests are being done

puffinandkoala · 20/04/2020 21:47

If mine were due I would go. I think there's probably a greater risk of catching covid at your local supermarket or even from all those "sweaty joggers shedding the virus everywhere" when people are out for their daily walk.

GPs are hardly seeing anyone face to face and and certainly nobody with any symptom that could conceivably be covid, you won't catch it there.

Spam88 · 20/04/2020 22:58

They've stopped all screening in wales, but when I took my son for his jabs they'd spread appointments out so that there was never more than one person in the waiting room, they send you out the back door so you don't go back past the next person waiting and you had to buzz to get in.

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 20/04/2020 23:07

I had my smear 6 weeks ago and still haven't had the results.
My mammogram has been cancelled which is worrying me a bit as we have breast cancer in the family. But very understandable why.

Floatyboat · 20/04/2020 23:12

You should go if offered

Laniakea · 20/04/2020 23:16

No bloody way I’d miss it given the chance.

LtJudyHopps · 20/04/2020 23:17

I’d go personally, my GP has limited everyone coming in. But I appreciate that’s just me without the actual choice to make!
If you’re worried, you may appreciate the walk! Or DP could drop you off and you walk back?