Vincent Van-Cough ‘shows up’ for women’s cervical screening

Posted by: gaia - Posted on:

Nervousness, embarrassment and lack of time are among the reasons almost one in three women don’t attend their routine appointment for a smear test which is a vital check for cervical cancer.

To help eligible women in Doncaster overcome these barriers, particularly in more deprived areas, in partnership we have developed a mobile screening service via Primary Care Doncaster’s Health Van – Vincent Van-Cough.

Vinnie will be ‘Showing Up’ in a number of locations across the city for a three-month trial period from Friday, 4th October. The service hopes to encourage as many people as possible whose tests are overdue, to get an appointment booked for them by their GP in an area convenient for them.

Drop-in facilities will also be available for anyone over the age of 25 who isn’t registered with a Doncaster GP and wants or needs a test. 

The Health Van will be based within specific target areas in central and north Doncaster where over 2,000 women overdue for a routine test. 

Recent statistics show that around 4.6 million women aged 25 to 64 in England have never been screened for cervical cancer or are not up to date with their tests. 

The Doncaster service plans to set up for one day a week at locations including Lakeside Shopping Outlet Village, Cavendish Court, Bullcroft Memorial Hall, Dearne Valley Leisure Centre, Vermuyden Centre and Rossington Miners Welfare. 

Dr Steph Edgar, GP and Clinical Lead for the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Cancer Alliance, said: “We understand that people invited for a smear test often go through a range of emotions and find reasons not to book or attend for an appointment.

“But there is a wealth of information available about what to expect during the screening procedure and how to prepare for it, not only by talking to your GP or practice nurses, but also by listening and talking to others through support groups, online forums and blogs, to hopefully help quell people’s fears.

“It’s so important for people to book and keep their appointments when invited as screening helps to save around 5,000 lives a year.”

A collaborative project between the SYB Cancer Alliance, Yorkshire Cancer Research and Primary Care Doncaster, the service is being advertised through GP surgeries, community centres and events, and across social media channels. 

To find out where the sessions will be taking place please visit https://www.primarycaredoncaster.co.uk/smear-tests-mobile-clinics/