HPV self-testing has launched through the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, giving an additional option to women aged 30 to 65 who haven’t attended cervical screening after previous routine invitations.
The offer is invitation-only and is being rolled out in phases, so not every eligible patient will see it straight away. Those who are invited can order a free kit through the NHS App, their NHS online account, or via the order telephone line — the test doesn’t need to be requested through the practice.
Even though practices aren’t administering this directly, it’s the kind of change patients are likely to ask reception and clinical teams about, particularly anyone who’s had a letter or app notification they don’t fully understand. Resources are available to help: a communications toolkit and Q&A, and a patient information leaflet (both login required), plus an HPV self-testing e-learning module that follows on from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme webinar.
Worth doing now: make sure reception staff and anyone answering patient queries know self-testing exists, that it’s invitation-only and phased, and where to point patients for more information if they ask. A few minutes with the communications toolkit is enough to avoid a confused or incorrect answer at the front desk.
Useful resources:
- Communications toolkit and Q&A (login required)
- Patient information leaflet (login required)
- NHS Cervical Screening Programme webinar