Sefton residents invited to access mobile cervical screening services

People living in Sefton who have missed their cervical screening appointments are encouraged to take advantage of a new pilot mobile service aimed at improving the uptake of this life-saving test.

The Living Well Bus will be stationed at various locations across Southport and Formby, offering drop-in cervical screening appointments.

This initiative is designed to make it easy and convenient for those who have missed previous appointments to get screened.

 Tuesday 2 July and Friday 5 July – Front Car Park at 12 Church Street, Southport PR9 0QT (adjacent to St Marks Medical Centre on Derby Road)
 Tuesday 9 July, Friday 12 July, Tuesday 16 July, Friday 19 July, Tuesday 23 July and Friday 26 July – Chapel St, Southport
 Saturday 13 and Saturday 27 July – Waitrose car park, Formby
The uptake of cervical screening in some areas of Sefton is 52%, compared to the national average of 70%, meaning many are missing this important test.

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.

Julie Kelly, Head of Public Health at NHS England North West, said: “Not everyone attends their cervical screening appointment when invited, and we’re aware that one of the reasons for this is access and finding an appointment that’s convenient for them.

“In Sefton, we know the uptake of the screening is significantly lower compared to other areas, and therefore, we are running a pilot mobile site providing a drop-in service at central locations.

“So, if anyone is overdue their screening test or have been invited in the past but not attended, I’d encourage them to pop into the unit where the staff will be happy to help and talk through any worries or concerns they may have.”

The Living Well Service will be visiting Sefton throughout July where you will be able to access a private and discreet cervical screening test at a time that suits you. No appointment is necessary.