Shropshire’s uptake is better than the national average, but still short of the target.
NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is trying to encourage people who don’t go to their appointments, by developing a series of educational videos aimed at people “who might find it really difficult”.
“We know that a lot of people are really nervous,” Whatley explained, noting that many feel the screening “is really invasive.”
The videos “walk them through the steps so they know exactly what to expect when they arrive at the GP surgery,” she added.
There are other factors that could stop people from coming to their cervical screening appointments, Whatley said.
“Shropshire has got some hugely rural areas, and so [travel] will be a challenge to some people,” she explained, adding that fitting in a GP appointment around work or caring responsibilities can also make it difficult.
In August, the NHS announced that women who missed a cervical screening appointment in England will be offered HPV self-testing kits by the NHS.
Over the next year, nearly four million will receive invites on the NHS App or via text message, email or letter to order a free kit to use at home.