What is a smear test? – Cervical screening (a smear test) is a health test that helps prevent cervical cancer. It checks for a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cell changes (abnormal cells).
What happens in a smear test? – During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix and will be tested for changes. Finding abnormal changes early means they can be monitored or treated so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer. You’ll get your results by letter, usually in about two weeks.
At the RD&E, they offer drop-in cervical screening clinics. If you have received a letter informing you that you are due to have your cervical screening and cannot access this at your GP practice, or you are overdue or are worried about going to your GP practice, please attend one of the clinics. You do not need to book an appointment. Clinics are held in the Centre for Women’s Health and Tiverton Hospital.
The clinics at the Centre for Women’s Health run every Tuesday evening, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, work on a drop-in basis, so you do not need to book an appointment.
They also offer a drop-in clinic at Tiverton Hospital on Wednesday evenings, 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
RD&E Wonford, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX2 5DW
Centre for Women’s Health, Clinic 2, Level 1
01392 406503.
Helpful websites:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/
