NHS Screening Programmes
Screening is a way of finding out if people are at higher risk of a health problem, so that early treatment can be offered or information given to help you make informed decisions.
Information on the following screening programmes is available on this page:
- Health screening for trans and non-binary people
- Cervical screening (smear)
- Diabetic eye screening
- Breast screening (mammogram)
- Bowel cancer screening
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (AAA)
- Pregnancy screening & screening for new-born babies
1. Health screening for trans and non-binary people
Depending on the gender which you are registered as at the Practice, you may or may not automatically be invited in for some health screening programmes, such as cervical screening or abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, and may need to contact us to request a referral or book an appointment to discuss this with your GP.
For more information on health screening for trans and non-binary people (used here as an umbrella term) please view the NHS leaflet by clicking HERE.
2. Cervical screening
Cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 to check the health of cells in the cervix. It is offered every 3 years for those aged 26 to 49, and every 5 years from the ages of 50 to 64.
The screening is in the form of a cervical smear. Appointments are available with the Practice Nurse.
For more information about cervical screening click HERE.
There is an Easy Read online leaflet available - click HERE.
3. Diabetic eye screening
From the age of 12, all people with diabetes are offered an annual diabetic eye test to check for early signs of diabetic retinopathy.
Patients will be called by the Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Department at the RVI.
For more information about diabetic eye screening click HERE.
4. Breast screening (mammograms)
Breast screening is offered every 3 years to women and people with breasts aged 50 to 70 to detect early signs of breast cancer.
The local Breast Screening Programme invites patients in every 3 years in groups according to their GP Practice. This means that all eligible patients registered with us will be called in at the same time every 3 years, so if you have just turned 50 you may not get invited in straight away.
The most recent screening for Parkway Medical Group patients was in October 2017, so the next screening is due in October 2020, however this may be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you do have any concerns about breast cancer, please book an appointment with the GP.
For more information about breast screening click HERE.
There is an Easy Read online leaflet available - click HERE.
5. Bowel cancer screening
Breast screening is offered to people aged 55 and over and helps to check if you are at risk of bowel cancer. There are two different types of screening offered – bowel scope screening, or the home testing kit.
If you do have any concerns about bowel cancer, please book an appointment with the GP.
For more information about bowel cancer screening click HERE.
There is an Easy Read online leaflet available - click HERE.
6. Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (AAA)
AAA screening is offered to men in their 65th year to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (a dangerous swelling in the aorta). Men over 65 can self-refer by calling the screening co-ordinators on 0151 706 4767 – please note you will need to know your NHS number, which you can get by contacting the Practice.
If you are a women or a man under the age of 65 and you think you might have a higher risk of AAA (for example, because a close family member has had one) then book an appointment to discuss this with your GP.
For more information about AAA screening click HERE.
7. Pregnancy screening & screening for new-born babies
Pregnant women are offered the following types of screening:
- Screening for infectious disease such as Hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis
- Screening for Down’s syndrome, Patau’s syndrome and Edward’s syndrome
- Screening for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia
- Screening for physical abnormalities (med-pregnancy scan)
Screening offered for new-born babies:
- New-born physical examination
- New-born hearing screening
- New-born blood spot screening
For more information about pregnancy screening & screening for new-born babies click HERE.