Mobile unit visited eight community locations in bid to make screening more accessible in areas with low uptake.
Kirklees Council has marked the success of a new mobile cervical screening unit which was piloted in March and April. Hundreds of residents engaged with the initiative, both online and in person. It’s the first time that cervical screening has been delivered in the region by mobile, drop-in unit.
Staff with the mobile cervical screening unit from Locala Health & Wellbeing, photo courtesy of Kirklees Council
The aim of the pilot was to remove common barriers to screening such as fitting appointments around work and family life, and travel constraints. The initiative included reassurance from female screening nurses. Of those who attended, many said convenience was the deciding factor.
Debbie from Lindley said: ‘I saw it on Facebook in the morning while I was making a cuppa and thought right, I’ll go now. I just didn’t get round to booking.’
Mrs Ahmed from Huddersfield said: ‘I got a text message from my GP telling me about it. It’s difficult finding time and fitting it around work and family. The staff really put me at ease, and it was really quick.’
Others who attended the mobile unit said that they were overdue for screening or hadn’t got round to making a GP appointment, so the drop-in model was ideal.
An evaluation of the pilot is now under way, and full attendance data and longer-term impact on screening uptake will continue to be reviewed.
The project was delivered by the public health team at Kirklees Council, in partnership with the not-for-profit healthcare provider Locala, and funded by the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance.
Anyone aged 25-64 who is due or overdue for cervical screening is encouraged to contact their GP practice to book an appointment.
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Director of Public Health at Kirklees Council, says: ‘We are really encouraged by the response to our first mobile cervical screening pilot. Feedback shows that bringing the service directly into communities helped remove some of the barriers that can stop people from attending. Cervical screening saves lives by detecting changes early, often before symptoms develop. We would encourage anyone who is due or overdue to take up their invitation, whether through their GP practice or future community initiatives.’
Dr Nabanita Ghosh, Community Gynaecologist and Women’s Health Specialist, adds: ‘It was encouraging to meet so many people who had been meaning to book their screening but found it difficult to attend their GP practice. The mobile unit created a friendly, supportive environment and many told us they felt reassured after attending. Cervical screening helps prevent cancer by detecting changes early, often before any symptoms appear. If you are invited, please take up the offer.’
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