Column: Feedback matters on cervical screenings - together we can make difference

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Alongside Healthwatch Derby, we’ve launched a new survey to hear from women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 about their experiences with cervical screenings, often known as smear tests, writes Helen Henderson, CEO of health and social care patient watchdog Healthwatch Derbyshire.

Cervical screening is a vital test that helps check the health of the cervix and prevents cervical cancer.

Yet, despite its importance, barriers remain that prevent many from attending.

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A 2021 study revealed that one in three people did not attend their appointments. This can result in delayed detection and treatment, with potentially serious consequences.

Helen Henderson is CEO of the health and social care patient watchdog Healthwatch DerbyshireHelen Henderson is CEO of the health and social care patient watchdog Healthwatch Derbyshire
Helen Henderson is CEO of the health and social care patient watchdog Healthwatch Derbyshire

This is where your feedback comes in. By understanding what holds people back and what could make the process better, we can work with healthcare providers to ensure the cervical screening programme is accessible and effective for everyone.

Our survey focuses on:

Whether you’ve attended a cervical screening appointment; Your views on the process; Barriers that may have stopped you from attending; Suggestions for improvement.

Cervical screenings can save lives, but attendance rates show there’s still much to do to make these appointments more accessible and comfortable for everyone.

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"Your feedback matters. Together, we can make a difference", says Helen Henderson, CEO of Healthwatch Derbyshire."Your feedback matters. Together, we can make a difference", says Helen Henderson, CEO of Healthwatch Derbyshire.
"Your feedback matters. Together, we can make a difference", says Helen Henderson, CEO of Healthwatch Derbyshire.

This survey is your chance to share your experiences and help shape a programme that truly meets the needs of our community.

By working together to cover both Derby city and the wider county, we hope to make meaningful improvements across Derbyshire.

The survey takes just 10-15 minutes and is open until April 22. As a thank you, participants can enter a prize draw to win a £100 Love2shop voucher.

You can take the survey here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CC-screening/

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Your feedback matters. By sharing your thoughts, you can help improve cervical health services and ensure more people feel confident and comfortable attending their screenings.

Together, we can make a difference.

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