NHS London HPV Self-Screening for Cervical Screening Pathway
- Update: HPV self-testing in England
On 25 August, the NHS commenced the roll-out of HPV self-testing (HPV self-screening) across England.
This initial offer is limited to an eligible group of women and people with a cervix who have not attended cervical screening following previous invitations. The NHS will invite women and people with a cervix to take part in HPV self-testing through the NHS App, in a text message (SMS), an email or a letter. Once an individual has been invited, they can order a free kit in the NHS App, their NHS online account or via the order telephone line. This national offer is by invitation only and is being phased in across the country.
What does this mean for London?
The national HPV self-testing pathway is being rolled out in phases. Eligible women living in London will not be included in the first phase. They cannot opt in to the national offer and will need to wait to be invited to participate.
In London, HPV self-screening is available and can be requested by eligible women, and people with a cervix, via all GP practices and some sexual health clinics.
Once it is live, in the region, the national offer will align and complement the London opportunistic HPV self-screening pathway. Further guidance on this will be issued shortly.
What does this mean for GP Practices, Community Settings, ICBs and Cancer Alliances in London?
All GP Practices, and participating sexual health clinics, should continue to promote and offer HPV self-screening to their eligible patients, adhering to the professional guidance.
ICBs and Cancer Alliance colleagues should continue to support the implementation of the London pathway and encouraging their eligible population to access the offer.
NHSE London will shortly issue more detailed information on the alignment between the London and national HPV self-testing pathways.
- Invite: NHS London HPV Self-Screening for Cervical Screening Workshops
NHSE London will be running interactive online workshops for Healthcare Professionals offering opportunistic HPV self-screening pathway.
We have arranged two dates to enable as many colleagues as possible to be able to attend.
You will only need to attend ONE of the following dates:
Friday 25th September 13:00 – 14:30, or
Thursday 1st October 13:00 – 14:30
These workshops are to give a brief update on progress made with implementing the pathway in London and to give practices opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
We will also explain how the London pathway compliments the national HPV self-testing offer, their differences and how both are improving access to cervical screening, increasing uptake and helping identify people at risk earlier.
To register for one of the workshops please click here.
These sessions will not provide detailed training on the pathway. The workshops are aimed at practices and HCPs that have completed the training module and assessment and provide opportunistic HPV self-screening. The training module and assessment for HPV self-screening in London can be found here.
- Invite: Join the NHS London HPV Self-Screening NHS Futures Workspace
NHS London has developed an NHS Futures Workspace for the London HPV self-screening pathway.
Becoming a member will ensure that you will receive all future updates and invites directly, access additional training resources such as workshop recordings, and peer to peer support.
We encourage all professionals to join who:
- work in primary & community care, and offer HPV self-screening to their patients
- work for an ICB, Cancer Alliance, or other professional organisation that support the implementation and or promotion of the pathway.
Join today: NHS London HPV Self-Screening for Cervical Screening Pathway – Futures
To contact the NHSE London Screening Commissioning Team regarding any of the above messages, please email england.ypa@nhs.net.