H&F’s GP Federation receive their award from charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust
Local GPs have won a national award for their work to encourage women in Hammersmith & Fulham to have a regular cervical screening, also known as a smear test.
Their encouragement worked wonders. After 26 out of 29 local practices combined forces to promote the tests, almost 1,000 residents attended a cervical screening appointment.
“Screening can prevent cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells, leading to treatment before cancer develops,” said Cllr Ben Coleman, H&F Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care.
“So it’s great that thanks to our local GPs’ hard work, more residents are deciding to get tested – and I hope more still will want to do so.”
The borough’s GP Federation received the top prize from charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust – the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity.
Cervical screening provides the best protection against cervical cancer. To get a screening, please contact your local GP.
Screening
As part of the winning campaign, local GPs delivered cervical screening clinics at practices easily accessible by public transport and in areas requiring specific attention, such as those with lowest uptake or particularly deprived areas.
The team proactively reached out to women who were overdue cervical screening to encourage them to book an appointment.
In addition, dedicated clinics were held at accessible times such as evenings and weekends. The team also designed a video to publicise the service.
Video: Cervical screening campaign in Hammersmith & Fulham
Delighted
Caroline Durack, director of operations at Hammersmith & Fulham GP Federation, said: “We are delighted to have received the national award in recognition of our proactive service, which not only supports improved access to cervical screening but raises patient awareness of why this test is so important for cervical cancer prevention.”
Robert Music, chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “I hope that their work encourages others to invest in prevention campaigns.”
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the UK’s only dedicated charity offering support and information to women of all ages and their loved ones affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. Call their national helpline on 0808 802 8000 or visit the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust website.
Hammersmith & Fulham previously had one of the lowest uptake rates for cervical screening in England, with just over half of eligible women making appointments in 2019.
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