NHS England Community Cytology- Outreach Service

NHS England is responsible for the commissioning of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, in accordance with the section 7A (public health functions) agreement. The programme aims to reduce morbidity and mortality through early detection and effective clinical management of cervical abnormalities by delivering a systematic, quality assured population-based screening programme for eligible women. High and equitable coverage of the population is required to ensure maximum programme effectiveness.

Cervical screening coverage has been steadily declining and is now well below the national target of ≥80%. There are differences in coverage across Local Authority areas across the West Midlands with Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Coventry having consistently lower coverage than neighbouring areas.

NHS England commissions cervical screening services from GP practices, each of whom provide the service for their registered population eligible for the service. Historically, women have also had access to cervical screening at sexual health clinics through provision by Primary Care Trusts. However, following changes to commissioning arrangements, responsibility for sexual health services transferred to local authorities.

NHS England is now seeking to re-instate cervical screening in the community and commission an enhanced service on previous arrangements as an alternative option to GP provision. The aim of the service will be to increase cervical screening access and coverage for women in the West Midlands by providing additional testing in established settings. The service will focus on lower coverage areas in the West Midlands