By Missed smear tests put ‘pressure’ on NHS
Health services will come under “huge pressure” to work through the backlog of missed smear tests during lockdown, a charity warns.
Around 600,000 tests would have been carried out in the UK in April and May had services been operating ordinarily, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust says – but many were cancelled or delayed.
That’s in addition to a backlog of 1.5 million appointments missed annually.
Fears of catching COVID-19 have also put some women off booking tests.
Screenings in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been paused during the lockdown, while in England some services have had to reschedule appointments.
Jo’s estimates that around 571,000 tests would normally have been carried out in England in April and May, 68,000 in Scotland and 28,500 in Wales.
It does not have figures for Northern Ireland.
There was already a low attendance rate before the pandemic.
The charity says it has seen a “growing level of anxiety and confusion” among women calling its helpline.
A survey of 851 women in the first week of June suggests 25% worry they will catch coronavirus, while 13% think it is best to put off going.
However nearly 40% are concerned by cancellations.
How do smear tests work now?
Women over 25 are still being invited for smear tests in England.
Jo’s says it is safe to attend screenings, with GP surgeries installing safety measures such as:
- nurses and doctors wearing PPE
- patients being asked to follow social distancing measures, e.g. waiting outside until the appointment or using a particular entrance
Those who are currently self-isolating should not book until their isolation period is complete, the charity says.
Anyone who is shielding should follow the government guidance specific to where they live.
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