Screening clinic deemed a success
Date of release: 22 January 2025
Just under 100 women have been checked for cervical cancer at a new screening clinic set up for Wolverhampton NHS staff.
The Gynaecology Nursing Team at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) set up the clinic in August to help staff fit cervical screening tests, also known as smear tests, into their schedules. It is one of the ways the organisation supports staff health
and wellbeing.
A total of 89 members of staff have attended the new clinic since it was launched.
Tina Wellsbury, a bone density scanner at RWT, attended the clinic in January and said the process was ‘fast and easy’.
Her results came back that she needed a colposcopy due to the presence of abnormal cells.
The 49-year-old said: “I have been having regular smear tests since I was 24 when it showed I had abnormal cells.
“Due to this I have had regular check and smear tests. I had my invitation for my latest smear test via email and after my manager told me about the clinic at work I called the department and booked an appointment.
“The process was so easy to do and I could pick a time which suited my shift that day.
“I normally work 7am until 4pm so getting to the GP practice after 4pm for an appointment is really difficult and there are often long waits. So to be able to get the test done so quickly at work was fantastic.”
Tina said due to the abnormal cells she has had to have two cone biopsies, a small operation to remove a cone shaped piece of tissue from the cervix.
She added: “Due to having grade 3 cells I have had to have two lots of treatment.
“I would urge any to book their test. There is nothing to be nervous about and it could save your life.
“The staff clinic puts you at ease and it is so convenient.
“If I hadn’t had my smear test the cells wouldn’t have been picked up so I am so grateful for the test.”
The staff clinics are held monthly at New Cross Hospital. Staff can book the test through email once they had received their NHS invite.
NHS England has pledged to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK by 2040.
Women are routinely invited for cervical cancer screenings every three to five years between the ages of 25 and 64.
Figures show cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer in women in the UK, with about 3,300, external new cases every year.
Symptoms of cervical cancer, external include unusual vaginal bleeding, changes to vaginal discharge, pain during sex or pain in the lower back, pelvis, or lower stomach.
ENDS
- For further information, please email amy.downward@nhs.net
