The Frome Medical Practice is now gearing itself up in preparation for Cervical Screening Awareness Week, which for 2020 runs between 15th and 21st June. Karen Creffield is practice manager and she explains what actions the practice is planning for.

'The coronavirus has changed a great many things for us, but the Cervical Screening Awareness Week is not one of them,' says Karen. 'At this particular time, it is even more important that our patients take heed of the necessity to have a regular smear test. Not only are we arranging for an extensive publicity campaign on social media, but on the 20th June between 8.30am and 12.30pm we have now planned for a special Saturday Cervical Screening Clinic to take place here at the practice.

Booking is essential for this Saturday clinic as well as for any other attendances for a smear test. We are, unfortunately, also unable to see any patients who are currently 'shielding' at this special Saturday clinic (they can of course telephone us as usual and arrange an appointment for themselves between any Monday and Friday).

The senior partner at the practice is Dr Helen Kingston.

'Throughout the period of lockdown we have been stressing to our patients how important it is that they do not miss or delay a cervical screening,' says Dr Kingston. 'Having a smear test is one of the most important tests a woman can have to protect against cervical cancer, which can occur at any age. This year there have obviously been other medical issues around which have had an impact on all of us, but even before the impact of the coronavirus outbreak my professional colleagues and myself were becoming increasingly concerned at the number of young women who were not attending for a screening.'

As practice manager, Karen Creffield is particularly keen to stress to patients how easy and safe it is to attend at the Medical Centre building on Enos Way for a cervical screening.

'Just telephone our normal appointments number of 01373 301301 (I would recommend calling after 2pm) and speak to one of our Care Navigators so that an appointment can be fixed for a time convenient to you,' explains Karen.

'All patients currently 'shielding', as they are at higher risk from complications if they become infected with COVID-19, are also asked to telephone the above number to fix an appointment. For the safety of our staff and other patients, when patients do arrive at the building they are asked to attend wearing a face covering. A scarf, bandana or homemade mask are all absolutely fine.'

'On arrival at the practice, you should then proceed through the café door, where all but 'shielded' patients will be seen in Areas 1 and 2. 'Those 'shielded' patients will be seen in our separate Shielded Patient section in Area 7,' adds Karen. 'In both areas, our staff will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment. All of our patients attending for a smear test will be arriving at a safe environment where their safety is paramount.'

Detailed information on Cervical Screening at the practice is available on the practice website at the FMP website

More information is also available at from Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust here www.jostrust.org.uk.

'As a final point, if indeed you are planning to come along for a smear test at the practice, then we will of course be delighted to see you,' says Karen. 'However, before attending for your test, if you develop symptoms of coronavirus or live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus then you do not come to the practice and instead contact us so that a later appointment can be arranged.'