Unmet Needs
North Tyneside has higher cervical screening coverage for both age cohorts than England. However, coverage varies considerably across the borough 11 12.
Mechanisms for unmet need
The cervical screening programme invitation process is implemented by CSAS on a regional footprint. Despite this, GP practices are monitored for their eligible patient cohort’s uptake for cervical screening, with data collected for screened in last 3.5 year (25-49 cohort) or 5.5 years (50-64) as % of coverage [20]. Given the separateness of the invitation and notification processes from local healthcare, it is plausible that it does not meet the needs of all those it is intended for. Examples of where there may be unmet needs include:
GP lists and personal care adjustments - The cervical screening invitations are processed by Cervical Screening Administrative Service (CSAS) and are informed by GP records. This relies on accurate information being held by GP Practices and the Hub manually checking for anyone needing reasonable adjustments.
Notification process - GP Practices are informed once a resident has been issued two invitations to book a cervical screening appointment from CSAS[21]. GP Practices are then expected to follow up with the resident, and almost every practice in North Tyneside is doing this by issuing a reminder letter printed on pink paper. Research has found alternative methods to this notification process have been successful, such as text message reminders[22].
[20] Cervical screening programme overview. Available at: Cervical screening: programme overview - GOV.UK [accessed 16/6/2025]
[21] Invitations, reminders and results communications. Available at: Invitations, reminders and results communications – NHS Cervical Screening Administration Service [accessed 16/6/2025]
[22] Cervical screening text reminders. Available at: Screening text reminder programme to increase the uptake of routine screening appointments - Cancer digital playbook - NHS Transformation Directorate [accessed 16/6/2025]