Cervical screening: over 1,000 women offered repeat smear tests as part of Southern Health Trust review

More than 1,000 patients have been offered a repeat smear to date as part of a major review into cervical screening at the Southern Health Trust, it emerged today (Monday).

In its latest update, the Trust said a total of 991 patients were booked for an appointment.

But in a statement it added: " Unfortunately, the majority (676) of women so far have declined the offer or they accepted but did not attend on the day for their appointment.

"A total of 315 women have attended a clinic for a repeat smear test and will receive their results within 6 weeks of their clinic date.

"Follow-up letters will be sent to these women who did not attend to offer them the opportunity to come for an alternative appointment at a suitable time and date."

The Trust also revealed that a "significant" number of women (184) have requested to opt out of the review when contacted about an appointment.

"Due to the low uptake at week night smear test clinics, the Trust has decided to concentrate the clinics at weekends, Saturday and Sunday (8am – 8pm), when attendance has been much better. We also plan to provide clinics in other locations across the Trust including Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry after Christmas," the statement added.

" We encourage women to attend their appointment or to confirm if they do not wish to accept the offer for a repeat smear."

Back in October, it emerged that more than 17,000 women were to have their smear tests re-checked following a review of a screening results process dating back to 2008.

In a statement at the time, the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said it launched a precautionary review of the results of some women who had cervical smears analysed by the Trust between 1 January 2008 and October 2021.

The Trust said today: "We are sincerely sorry for any concern the ongoing review may cause the women affected and we urge anybody with concerns to contact our cervical review information helpline (0800 9520255)."

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening programme has introduced full primary HPV testing into the cervical screening pathway.

The full integration of HPV testing brings Northern Ireland in line with similar programmes in the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland.