Cervical screening

[OhTheTastyNuts]

Hi

Has anyone managed to get a smear test done recently? I was due to have mine in December, but there was no nurse available to do it at my GP surgery. I finally got an appointment at a local (walk in?) clinic in March, but it was cancelled as Lockdown started.

My appt is now 6 months overdue and I'm starting to worry. I just called my GP surgery and they are not booking appointments for smear tests and have no idea when they will resume. But national guidance said appointments could be made from the 6th of this month.

Has anyone else experienced similar?

Thanks

demands on a currently limited service and risk v benefit

^ Yeah I get that - the NHS is not able to deliver services which were previously thought of as essential. Which is why we have an epidemic of late cancer diagnoses approaching. Bit of a problem for those of us who are at far greater risk of cancer than covid.

OP there are private clinics offering screening - I managed to find a couple in London - if you can possibly afford it. I hope you manage to get something sorted out quickly.

I wonder how Jo’s Trust etc will justify the hysteria over cervical screening when we are now told it’s not such a priority. It will be Interesting to see how they will pitch their “you must have a smear” campaigns.

It depends where you are in the UK. Cervical screening in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has been officially paused. England didn't officially pause but our GP only started sending out invites again last week.

Other GP surgeries in my area are doing it. Just not the one I'm registered at! It's so frustrating.

I do understand that a 'routine' smear isn't top priority for the NHS at the minute, but if some surgeries are managing to get their clinics open, it does make me wonder why mine isn't.