Cervical Screening Service (Smear Test)

In September 2025, the NHS plans to start sending normal results from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, digitally utilising the NHS App. Normal results are those where the patient is put back into recall within the programme and don’t require referral to colposcopy.

This change follows the successful rollout of digital invitations and reminders in June 2025, where since the launch, 9 out of every 10 invitations are being sent digitally, with the remainder being sent by post.
If you have a normal test result, you will be notified of this by an NHS App message. It will appear as an NHS App notification, and if you don’t have notifications switched on for the NHS App, you may also receive an SMS message to remind them to check the NHS App.

If the NHS App message isn’t read within 72 hours of delivery or if the patient doesn’t have the NHS App, a letter will be sent as a failsafe.

Abnormal result letters (those that involve referral to colposcopy) will continue for the time being to be delivered by post. However, we are aware that some patients may see their cervical screening test result (either normal or abnormal) via the NHS App under GP Health Records or they may receive a colposcopy appointment via the NHS App before they receive their formal communications. This is because the NHS App is linked to the results being sent from the screening laboratory to the GP practice. If the patient has signed up to access their medical records, all test results would be accessible to the patient.

83% cervical cancer deaths can be prevented!

Our practice provides Cervical Screening Service as part of the national NHS Cervical Screening Programme. This important test helps prevent cervical cancer by detecting early changes in the cells of the cervix.

We offer cervical screening to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64, in line with national guidelines:

• Ages 25 to 49 – every 3 years

• Ages 50 to 64 – every 5 years

The test is quick and usually takes no more than 5 minutes. It involves taking a small sample of cells from the cervix, which is then tested for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer.

Our trained nurses carry out the screening in a supportive and respectful environment. If you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help you feel comfortable and informed.

If you’ve received a reminder or think you might be due for a screening, please contact the surgery to book your appointment.

For more information, please visit NHS Cervical Screening Website.

Please consider your decision carefully before choosing to opt out of this service. You can visit the self-service webpage for more information on opting out of cervical screening.