BBC Look East
Women are being encouraged to attend life-saving cervical screenings, as the average number of people being tested fails to hit the national target.
Jess Slater, CEO of Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, was interviewed by BBC Look East on Monday as part of an on-going focus on the importance of attending life-saving cervical screenings.
As the average number of people being tested fails to hit the national target, Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is supporting North Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Care Partnership to raise awareness of its current cervical screening project.
The project run by North Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Care Partnership aims to increase cervical screening uptake across Peterborough, Fenland and Huntingdon and is supported via a toolkit from the local NHS team which advertises the additional outreach clinics launched and shares information about the screening test itself to empower patients to attend their screening appointment.
Jess Slater, CEO of Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough: ‘’At Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, we are committed to supporting campaigns that raise awareness of people's rights to access healthcare and the information they need to live well. Everyone deserves clear, accessible, and timely support to manage their health and wellbeing. By working together with communities, services, and partners, we can help people to know where to turn for the care and advice they need.’’
What happens in a cervical screening appointment?
To find out more about what to expect in a cervical screening appointment, Cambridge & Peterborough Integrated Care System have created a resource page packed with information – from what to expect to why it is so important to attend. You can access at: www.cpics.org.uk/cervical-screening
Booking your appointment – Peterborough, Fenland and Huntingdonshire
The local NHS is offering outreach clinics and education sessions encouraging those who’ve never had a cervical screening test or have not had one for a long time.
Outreach clinics will take place at various community locations and at different times of the day, such as evenings, helping to improve access to these vital screening appointments. Appointments are available across the north of the county, covering Peterborough, Fenland and Huntingdonshire.
To book a local appointment telephone 01733 666670 and select option 1.
Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, or visit www.greaterpeterboroughgps.nhs.uk/book-a-cervical-screening-appointment/
About Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is your local health and social care champion. We make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care.
If you use GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other support services in your area, we want to hear about your experiences.
We are independent and have the power to make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers listen to local feedback and improve standards of care.
We can also help you to find reliable and trustworthy information and advice.
Take five minutes to share your experiences
NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during these challenging times, but there might be things that can be improved. Your feedback can help services spot issues that are affecting care for you and your loved ones.
Read our interview with the BBC in full here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3vp2r4wrrro
