4 August 2025
A new pilot programme has been launched in Wolverhampton to boost cervical screening rates among young women and people with a cervix, to improve early detection and save lives.
Embrace, the city’s sexual health service, is offering new sessions to encourage individuals — particularly those aged 25 to 34 who are overdue for their cervical screening — to attend their test.
The appointments will take place across the three Embrace clinics which are Fowler Centre, West Park Hospital, and Bilston Health Centre and provide an alternative to booking an appointment through a GP.
Cervical screening, previously known as a smear test, checks the health of the cervix. It is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix.
The sample is then tested for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to cervical cells. These are known as high-risk types of HPV.
Eligible patients can now book their cervical screening at Embrace at a time that is convenient to them:
• Monday to Thursday, 9am–8pm
• Friday, 9am–5pm
When booking an appointment, patients are advised to quote ‘open access’ which helps the team to identify people taking part in the pilot.
Dr Prita Banerjee, Consultant/Clinical Director in Sexual Health and HIV, said: “As a healthcare professional and as someone who is invited for cervical screening, I know how important it is to get my test done. But we have to recognise that it can be difficult to find the time, outside of work and family commitments, to book an appointment.
“Here at Embrace we hope to make cervical screening as accessible as possible, by offering flexible daytime and evening appointments. Just call us and we will be happy to help.”
As part of the appointment, people will also be offered a free STI screen to help ensure their sexual health needs are up to date.
More information about cervical screening can be found on the Embrace website or call 01902 444444.