From September, NHS plans to start sending results from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, utilising the NHS App.
In September, those who have a negative test result will be notified of this by an NHS App message. It will also appear as an NHS App notification. If the NHS App message isn’t read within 72 hours, a letter will be sent as a failsafe.
Abnormal result letters will continue for the time being to be delivered by post.
This change follows the successful rollout of digital invitations and reminders in June 2025, where since the launch, 9 out of every 10 invitations are being sent digitally, with the remainder being sent by post.
Women aged from 25 – 49 years will be invited every 5 years rather than 3 inline with major clinical evidence with a normal result.
Female patients who have abnormal result will be contacted sooner.
Studies have shown that if a person tests negative for HPV, they are extremely unlikely to go on to develop cervical cancer within the next decade, leading to a UK National Screening Committee recommendation to offer more personalised intervals for woman based on their risk.
The move to 5-year intervals brings England into line with Scotland and Wales, who have introduced this change following the UK National Screening Committee’s (UKNSC’s) recommendation.
Women will also be sent their initial screening invite via the NHS app and we as a Practice have all our smear appointments bookable online, again you are able to do this through the NHS app (see below on how to book these appointments on the NHS app).
If you do not have the NHS app yet or having issues, please come into the surgery in person with photographic ID.
If you have any further requires regarding this please contact reception, any week day after 11am.
How to book appointments through the NHS App
- Log in
- Services – Check for available GP appointments
- Book a GP appointment
- Select appointment- smear and the availability of appointments comes up so book whichever time and date is convenient.