St Mary’s Surgery backing rollout of HPV self-testing kits

St Mary’s Surgery, Andover, is supporting the rollout of HPV self-testing kits, part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme and a key step in plans to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.

From August 25, eligible women will, once invited, be able to order and use the kits from home as an alternative to traditional screening appointments.

Dr McSparron and Dr Healy from St Mary's Surgery. (Image: St Mary's Surgery)

Janette Crosby, practice manager at St Mary’s Surgery, said: "St Mary’s Surgery wants to encourage all patients when they receive an invitation for a self-testing kit or an invitation to make an appointment for cervical screening with a clinician to take up the offer from NHS England."

The home-testing kits will be offered to women who have not attended cervical screening appointments despite previous invitations.

Nearly four million women currently overdue for screening will be eligible, with the initial rollout focusing on those aged 30 to 65.

Once invited by NHS England, women can order a free kit and complete the test in the privacy of their own home.

Dr Sharon Healy, a GP at St Mary’s Surgery, said: "It is being introduced as an additional choice, not a replacement for routine cervical screening appointments, making screening more accessible for those who have not attended previously."

St Mary’s Surgery continues to remind patients that in-clinic cervical screening remains the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer.

However, the self-testing kits are being introduced as an additional choice for people who have not taken up previous invitations.

The surgery also offers evening cervical screening clinics to accommodate patients with daytime commitments.

One patient said: "I would not be able to attend without these evening clinics, due to my work commitments."

Another added: "Due to childcare, without an evening appointment I would struggle to attend."

Dr Rachel McSparron said: "It’s so important that women take up their cervical screening invitations, whether that’s attending an appointment or using the home HPV testing kit if offered.

"It doesn’t take long."

St Mary’s Surgery is also urging the wider community to raise awareness about the importance of cervical screening.

They encourage people to talk to family, friends and colleagues about the options available and to support others in attending their appointments or using the kits if offered.