Cervical Screening

National screening programme

The National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) administer the cervical screening programme.

See HealthPathways: Cervical Screening for more information.

New patients

If the patient is new to the practice, check:

• transferred notes for any previous cervical screening results
• any history of cervical cancer, hysterectomy, or recent screening elsewhere
• that the correct screening codes have been recorded
• that the recall interval is correct.

Enrolling patients

1. The practice invites all eligible patients for cervical screening.

   We invite patients for cervical screening using the method most appropriate to them. For example:

   • text
   • letter
   • during consultation.
2. Help the patient choose the most appropriate screening option.
3. Record their consent (verbal or written) in the patient notes.
4. Update the patient's cervical screening registration status (opt in/out or ineligible) in Medtech.

   Encourage patients who wish to opt out to complete the form: Request to Withdraw from the National Screening Programme.

5. Record the reason for declining in the PMS.

Patients may choose a different screening provider.

See also Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand: The National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) HPV Primary Screening, and HPV Primary Screening in General Practice for more guidance.

Results and recalls

Clinicians are responsible for informing patients of results. Recalls are managed using the recall procedure.

Recall intervals are determined by screening results, history, and examination, and will be decided by a clinician.

The practice can also check a patient's screening status through the PHO Cervical Screening status report generated by the NCSP.