🩺 Cervical Smear Week 2025: Your Health Matters

This Cervical Smear Week, we’re reminding our patients how important cervical screening (smear tests) are — a quick test that could save your life.

✅ What is a Cervical Screening?

Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix (the opening to your womb from your vagina). It looks for changes that could lead to cervical cancer. The test usually takes just a few minutes and is done by a trained nurse or doctor.

📅 Who Should Attend?

In the UK, cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. You’ll receive a letter when it’s time for your screening.

💡 Why is it Important?

Catching cell changes early means they can be treated before they turn into cancer. Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect your future health.

🗣️ Tips to Help You Feel More Comfortable:

• Ask for a longer appointment if you need extra time
• Bring a friend, carer or trusted person with you
• Wear a skirt or dress to help you feel more comfortable
• Talk to our team about any worries — we’re here to listen and support you

🤝 We’re Here for Everyone

We are committed to making cervical screening accessible, safe and supportive for all our patients, including:

🧠 People who are neurodiverse (autistic, ADHD, sensory needs)
🧩 People with learning disabilities
🌍 People from ethnic minority groups or migrant communities
🤝 People with mental health challenges
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ patients — including trans men, non-binary people, and others with a cervix
🏡 People who are unhoused, isolated, or in hard-to-reach communities

You matter to us. If you or someone you care for needs extra support, adjustments, or simply a bit more time, please get in touch. We can:

• Offer sensory-aware or quiet appointments
• Provide easy-read materials and simple explanations
• Involve your support worker, advocate or carer
• Work with you to make the process as calm and respectful as possible

🫶 Everyone deserves healthcare that is safe, respectful, and inclusive.

📞 Missed Your Last Screening?

If you think you might have missed your last smear test, or you’re not sure when you’re due — give us a call. We’ll check for you and help you book an appointment.

⏰ New Extended Hours Coming Soon

From late July 2025, we’ll be offering early morning and late afternoon appointments — perfect if daytime doesn’t work for you.

📚 Want to Know More?

For an easy-read guide on cervical screening, visit:
🔗 bit.ly/smear-test-easy-read