NHS Mobile Unit Will Offer Cervical Screenings at Pride in the City
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust and Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, will be taking the NHS Mobile Cervical Screening Van to Pride in the City on Saturday 20th July. Visitors will have the opportunity to consult with an all-female nurse team to check their screening status and receive immediate testing if necessary.
“Seven percent of women over 25 have never had a smear test, but this figure rises to 15 percent among lesbian or bisexual women in the same age group, due to common misconceptions around human papillomavirus (HPV) and how cervical cancer develops. Anyone with a cervix is eligible to access free cervical screenings through the NHS by contacting their GP or local sexual health clinic,” said Trudy Johnson, Cervical Screening Manager, Gateshead Health.
Some of the most common barriers to cervical screening attendance include embarrassment, concerns about pain, busy schedules, fear of results, and misconceptions about relevance additionally cited.
“We recognise that cervical screening appointments can be challenging for some people, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community, who may encounter additional barriers that might prevent attendance,” continued Trudy Johnson. “Our goal is to provide support and improve accessibility to screening and potentially save lives.”
In Gateshead, latest NHS data show that over 42,000 women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25-64 years are not up-to-date with their cervical screening. These figures are in line with national data from the Department of Health and Social Care which show nearly 30% of women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 years are not up to date with their cervical screening.
“We’re proud to partner with Gateshead Health to raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening in the North East,” said Dr. Ashton Harper, Head of Medical Affairs, Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland. “Cervical screening can help prevent cancer before it starts, so I encourage anyone with concerns or unanswered questions to speak to the nurses at the mobile unit and take the potentially life-saving step of booking or attending your appointment.”
About NHS Mobile Cervical Screening Unit at Pride:
The NHS Mobile Cervical Screening Unit will be at Pride in the City on Saturday 20th July by the River God Tyne statue, Newcastle Civic Centre, Ceremonial Way, Newcastle upon Tyne. Opening times are from 09:00 – 17:00.
