A new mobile cervical screening unit piloted across Kirklees has been welcomed by residents, with hundreds engaging with the initiative both online and in person.
Delivered by Kirklees Council’s Public Health Team, in partnership with Locala, and funded by the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance, the mobile unit visited eight community locations across north and south Kirklees during March and April. The project aimed to make cervical screening more accessible, particularly in areas where uptake has historically been lower.
This was the first time cervical screening has been delivered in Kirklees via a mobile, drop-in unit.
The pilot was designed to remove common barriers to screening including, fitting appointments around work and family life, travel constraints and including reassurance of female screening nurses.
Many of those who attended 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 shared that they were overdue for screening or hadn’t got round to making a GP appointment and the drop-in model was ideal.
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Director of Public Health at Kirklees Council, said:
“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, said:
“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.”
Full attendance data and longer-term impact on screening uptake will continue to be reviewed as part of the pilot evaluation.
Anyone aged 25-64 who is due or overdue for cervical screening is encouraged to contact their GP practice to book an appointment.
For more information about cervical screening visit the NHS website.