Cervical Screening Wales Professional Website
Cervical Screening Wales (CSW) was established to ensure that cervical screening is delivered in a consistent manner across Wales, according to national published standards and, in particular, that all eligible women receive the same level of service and quality care for the same level of need. For the first time there is a single cervical screening programme across Wales, with uniform policies, standards and protocols.
CSW is managed, like Breast Test Wales, by Velindre NHS Trust. The service covers the whole of the cervical screening programme provided to women resident in Wales, by both Welsh and English NHS Trusts, including:
- programme management and coordination
- call and recall arrangements
- cervical cytology services
- cervical histology services
- colposcopy services
The responsibility for the taking of smears within the programme will remain with general practices and appropriate community and hospital clinics.
Aims of the Cervical Screening Programme
The aim of the cervical screening programme is to reduce the incidence of, and morbidity and mortality from, invasive cervical cancer. However, screening also has the potential to cause both physical and psychological harm to women invited. It is essential that this harm is minimised, so that the benefits of screening outweigh the costs. A balance must be struck between maximising effectiveness and minimising harm.
The Eligible Population
The target age group for cervical screening is women aged 20 to 64.
Last Updated: August 2010