Cervical screening

This dedicated page supports the delivery of the national Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP). It aims to provide healthcare professionals with clear, accessible, and up-to-date information to promote informed participation, ensure high-quality service delivery, and improve health outcomes. Here you will find practical tools, guidance, and useful resources to support the implementation of the NHSCSP.

Here GP practices can find the North West London Cervical Screening Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This document aims to standardise the delivery of the national screening programme by outlining the responsibilities of sample takers in the NHSCSP practice consistent with national policy, detailing training requirements, and setting out the roles and responsibilities of general practices.

The document was ratified by Primary Care Executive Board in April 2025.

Download the: North West London Primary Care Cervical Screening Standard Operating Procedure 

Download: summary notes to go with the above SOP

General practice responsibilities in cervical screening

General practice plays a key role in encouraging individuals to attend cervical screening and in taking cervical cytology samples. The following actions should be undertaken.

• Add a flag to patient records when screening is due, and inform the patient at the next appropriate visit.
• Clinicians should actively promote the benefits of cervical screening.
• Provide reception and administrative staff with up-to-date training and ensure they are informed of any changes to the screening programme.
• Target under-represented population groups and communities.
• Participate in and promote national and local cervical screening awareness campaigns.
• Conduct appointment call and recall at appropriate intervals.
• Use and manage Prior Notification Lists (PNLs) to support the call/recall process.
• Follow failsafe processes as outlined in the standard operating procedure (SOP).
• Ensure patients receive their results and that appropriate follow-up is arranged.
• Perform the screening test in line with cervical screening guidelines and associated documentation.
• Ensure the safe transport of specimens to the cytology laboratory.