How NHS Staff are Working to Combat Staggeringly Long Wait Times for Smear Test Follow-Ups

Key Highlights :

1. NHS staff are being trained to combat staggeringly long wait times for smear test follow-ups.

2. The health board is working around the clock to tackle 52-week waits for colposcopy exams – and urged women to attend the appointment.

3. Letters sent to those awaiting appointments revealed the health board was “looking to create additional colposcopy clinics” and Dr Crighton confirmed it was keen to use any and all resources currently available to tackle the issue.

4. The health board’s target of 80% uptake has “slowly declined” over the years, but the team has noticed a resurgence in interest following the pandemic.

5. Dr Crighton, who led the implementation of the bowel screening programme in the city, said: “During the pandemic, the programme was put on hold by the Scottish Government and, following the recovery, all services had to change the way we worked. “It was a fairly slow recovery and, therefore, there has been a build up in terms of demand. Although we’re fully recovered, there were other areas which were not and other issues, such as staff shortages, which have left delays.

6. NHSGGC is engaging with specific community groups and charities working with core groups less likely to go along to smear tests, while also explaining the process to those who have yet to receive one.

7. The current process ensures women are contacted via letter with reminders to book their smear tests when they are due.

8. Dr Crighton told the Glasgow Times it was vital women attended the potentially life-saving appointments.

     Women across the UK are facing staggering wait times for follow-up smear tests, but NHS staff are working around the clock to combat the issue. Dr Emilia Crighton, interim director of public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, has revealed the health board is recruiting and training new staff, while also looking at external options to tackle the 52-week waits for colposcopy exams.

     The Don’t Fear the Smear campaign, launched by the Glasgow Times, is dedicated to tackling not only long wait times, but also the staggeringly low uptake rates. The health board’s target of 80% uptake has “slowly declined” over the years, but the team has noticed a resurgence in interest following the pandemic.

     Dr Crighton said the health board is using all resources available to create additional colposcopy clinics and ensure services across the city are delivered. She said: “It’s a specialist set-up we deliver with services across the city and we’re not looking at creating new spaces but we’ll use all resources we have available.”

     The health board has discovered that embarrassment and fear are the biggest reasons for women not attending their smear tests, with younger women the most likely to skip the appointment. In a bid to put an end to the stigma, NHSGGC is engaging with specific community groups and charities working with core groups less likely to go along to smear tests, while also explaining the process to those who have yet to receive one.

     The current process ensures women are contacted via letter with reminders to book their smear tests when they are due. Dr Crighton has urged women to attend the potentially life-saving appointments, saying: “Look at the history of every woman who develops cervical cancer and it’s usually those who ignore invitations to attend or ignore follow-ups. A smear test really could save your life.”

     NHS staff are working hard to combat the staggeringly long wait times for smear test follow-ups, and it is vital that women attend their appointments to protect their health. The Don’t Fear the Smear campaign is dedicated to tackling the stigma surrounding the tests and ensuring women have the information and support they need to attend.

Continue Reading at Source : glasgowtimes