A new mobile cervical screening service is to be piloted in Halton in a bid to improve uptake of the life-saving test.
The Living Well Bus, hosted by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS FT, will be at various locations across the borough offering drop-in cervical screening appointments to women and people with a cervix who have missed any previous appointments, making it easy and convenient for people to be screened.
The cervical screening programme is very important and saves thousands of lives each year. Cervical screening (which used to be known as the smear test) tests for HPV (human papillomavirus) that can cause cervical cancer. If these types of HPV are found, they can be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
The pilot mobile unit will operate as a drop-in service for those who are overdue their cervical screening or have missed any previous appointments, and will provide a safe, comfortable and private area for cervical screening appointments to take place.
The cervical screening test itself should take less than 5 minutes and the whole appointment should take around 10 minutes. You can bring someone with you to your appointment, such as a friend, family member or chaperone, to make you feel more comfortable.
Dr Rhian Thomas, Halton GP and Cancer Clinical Lead said: ‘I would encourage anyone who is overdue their Cervical Screening to attend the drop in service when it visits Halton. Cervical Screening is hugely beneficial as cancer prevention. It can detect changes which can be treated before cancer develops, and therefore save lives. The Living Well Bus Cervical Screening Service has proven benefits in other area locally, so I am please we are able to offer this service in Halton thanks to the hard work of all involved across the community and NHS.’
Full timetable:
- Wednesday 15th January 2024 – DCBL Halton Stadium, Widnes
- Monday 20th January 2024 – Co-op Old Town, Runcorn
- Tuesday 28th January 2024 – DCBL Halton Stadium, Widnes
- Friday 7th February 2025 – Asda, Runcorn
- Saturday 15th February 2025 – Asda, Runcorn
- Thursday 20th February 2025 – Asda Widnes
- Friday 28th February 2025 – Asda Widnes
- Wednesday 5th March 2025 – Upton Community Centre, Widnes
- Thursday 13th March 2025 – Upton Community Centre, Widnes
- Tuesday 18th March 2025 – Co-op Old Town, Runcorn
- Wednesday 26th March 2025 – Co-op Old Town, Runcorn
For more information about the drop-in service in Halton, visit: The Living Well Service :: Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
For more information about the NHS cervical screening programme visit the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/
