Purpose
Cervical screening is a preventative health measure. It is not a test for cancer itself, but rather a way to detect early cellular changes that could potentially lead to cervical cancer.
The primary focus is on detecting Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus and a major cause of cervical cancer. Identifying its presence early allows for closer monitoring and timely intervention. Early detection is crucial. In the event of abnormal cell change findings, treatment is enabled to mitigate cancer, significantly reducing the risk of serious illness.
NHS England identified a group of patients incorrectly monitored for cervical screening due to gender markers in their medical records.
The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish a consistent approach to ensure that patients with female anatomy receive screening invitations, regardless of having a different or no gender marker in their medical records.
This SOP establishes a consistent, legally compliant, safe and efficient process to identify eligible patients and support informed decisions to opt in or out of the screening programme. It should be applied in conjunction with other organisational policies e.g. Infection Prevention and Control.