Cervical Screening Awareness Week is an important opportunity to remind people how vital cervical screening (smear test) is in preventing cervical cancer and to make it as easy as possible for everyone to attend.

If you live in Southport and Formby, there are four simple ways to have cervical screening, including a convenient drop-in clinic and flexible evening and weekend appointments.

Drop-in cervical screening session, no appointment needed

To support Cervical Screening Awareness Week, we are hosting a drop-in cervical screening session on Saturday 20^th June at:

7-Day GP Service

107 Liverpool Rd, Southport PR8 4DB

• Date: Saturday 20^th June
• Time: 9am to 2pm

No appointment is needed and you can simply drop in at a time that suits you.

“Cervical Screening is so important to attend, it saves lives. We know that many people struggle to attend during the working week due to work and childcare commitments. This drop-in session is about removing that barrier and making screening as accessible and convenient as possible for local people. If the drop-in clinic is not a suitable time please call the 7 Day GP Service to book directly for an evening or weekend appointment.” Jess McMinn, 7-Day GP Service Manager

This clinic is ideal if you have been putting off your smear test or find it difficult to attend appointments during the week.

Flexible appointments, evenings and weekends

If a drop-in session is not right for you, the 7-Day GP Service also offers pre-bookable smear test appointments in the evenings and at weekends.

To book, call the 7-Day GP Service directly on: 01704 395755.

You can also book with your own GP practice

Many people prefer to see a clinician they already know. You can contact your own GP practice to arrange a smear test at a time that works for you.

Supporting people with a learning disability

We know that cervical screening can be more challenging for people with a learning disability, due to anxiety, communication needs or previous experiences.

That is why we are committed to making reasonable adjustments, such as:

• Offering longer appointments
• Providing clear, easy-read information
• Allowing extra time to talk things through
• Supporting people to attend in a way that feels comfortable for them
• We also have a range of speculum sizes to make the screening as comfortable as possible.

“We are committed to making sure everyone can access cervical screening, including people with a learning disability. That means offering reasonable adjustments, taking extra time where needed, and working with individuals to make the experience as comfortable and supportive as possible.” Leanne Purden, Learning Disability Nurse

People with a learning disability are encouraged to speak to their GP or the 7-Day GP Service about the support they need. No one should miss out on screening because the appointment does not meet their needs.

Our Learning Disability nurses also work proactively to improve access to screening by visiting care homes and the homes of people who are housebound, providing smear tests in familiar and supportive environments for those who would otherwise struggle to attend appointments.

Tips to help you feel prepared

If you are feeling nervous about attending your smear test, helpful advice and reassurance can be found on The Eve Appeal website, which offers trusted information about:

• What happens during a smear test
• How to prepare
• Managing anxiety around screening

You can find more information and tips on the Eve Appeal Website: https://eveappeal.org.uk/information-and-advice/tips-for-cervical-screening/

Four ways to book your smear test in Southport

You can book a smear test by:

• Dropping in to the 7-Day GP Service clinic on Saturday 20 June, 9am to 2pm
• Pre-booking an evening or weekend appointment with the 7-Day GP Service
• Contacting your own GP practice to book a smear test
• Requesting reasonable adjustments or additional support, including for people with a learning disability

“If you are eligible for cervical screening and have been putting it off, Cervical Screening Awareness Week is the perfect time to book. With four different ways to access a smear test in Southport, help is available and appointments are easier to access than ever.” Jess McMinn, 7-Day GP Service Manager

Cervical screening saves lives. If you are eligible and overdue, now is the perfect time to book your appointment.