There have been some exciting new developments for the Cervical Services London team.
Maggie Morgan, Operational Head of Service, Cervical Screening Provider Lead writes:
I’m happy to report that after some Covid-related supply issues that affected cervical screening services nationally at the end of last year, CSL is now running at near capacity with steadily increasing activity levels.
The national screening position has been clear; that the programmes should be maintained and women should continue to be tested. This message has been amplified by awareness campaigns such as the Jo’s Trust Cervical Cancer Prevention Week which ran in January. The impact of the vaccination programme on appointment availability within primary care remains to be seen.
CSL is very pleased to be involved with YouScreen, a HPV self-sampling study running across five CCGs in London. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if women who have not taken up a screening invitation to attend their GP practice will be more receptive to taking a HPV self–sample test.
New self-sampling tests
We are also delighted to have been selected as one of the laboratories to validate HPV self-sampling devices as part of the national initiative looking at HPV self -sampling. Phase 1 of the validation is expected to commence 1st April 2021.
It’s very early days but both studies are potentially exciting developments that will hopefully inform future decision making around introducing HPV self- sampling into the NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP).
Finally, some further good news for the CSL team who received recognition by the Royal College of Pathologists with a prestigious Achievement Award in the Contribution to Specialty category. CSL celebrated its first anniversary on December 2nd and the award was a fitting first birthday present for the whole team.