News

NHS Cervical Screening Programme - Digital invitations and reminders launching from June 2025

NHS England is transforming digital services for screening programmes, with a vision that a third of all NHS interactions will be delivered through the NHS App and other digital tools within 5 years. As part of this, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme are introducing digital communications, and all Cervical Screening invitations and reminders have now moved to a new digital process.


Invitation and reminder changes

In June 2025, NHS England started sending digital invites and reminders to all eligible people:

  • First, an NHS App message when eligible people are next due for their Cervical
    Screening.
  • Some may also receive a message from other applicable digital channels (such as
    SMS).
  • For those where a digital invitation isn’t possible, a physical letter will be posted as
    a backup.

Participant FAQs

Q: How do I download the NHS App?
A: The NHS App is available on iOS and Android through the App Store or Google Play.
Further information about the app is available here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

Q: I received a text message from NHSscreen to book my cervical screening
appointment, is it genuine?
A: Yes, any SMS messages sent by Cervical Screening will come from NHSscreen.

Q: I have the NHS App downloaded; how do I ensure my notifications are switched
on?
A: To manage your NHS App notifications: navigate to the NHS App and log in; select the
Account icon in the top corner; select Settings; select Manage notifications. This page
will show you whether your notifications are on or off. To make changes to your
notifications, follow the link to your device settings.

Q: Can I book my cervical screening appointment through the NHS App invitation?
A: Your invitation will direct you to book your cervical screening appointment in the same
way you do currently do – either by contacting your GP practice or a local sexual health
service.

Q: Why have I received an invitation from both my GP surgery and the NHS App?
A: Some GP surgeries may already be using SMS or an app to send invitations for
cervical screening. In this case, you may receive multiple invitations from both your GP
surgery and the NHS App. Please note, if you have booked your appointment following
receiving either invitation, your appointment is booked, and no further action is required.

Q: Can I still receive a physical letter if I need to?
A: Physical letters will continue to be sent to those who are unable to access the NHS
App.

Q: Why is the NHS using digital communications?
A: By using faster, more accessible digital communications with multilingual support and
enhanced accuracy, cervical screening programmes will improve engagement and achieve
significant cost savings, ensuring the long-term sustainability of NHS resources. The use
of digital communications also conforms to current best practices and expectations when
interacting with organisations.

Q: Is it only cervical screening communications I can expect on the NHS app?
A: For now (June 2025), yes. However, NHS ENgland are working to extend digital communications to Breast and Bowel screening throughout 2025, we will provide updates when any changes are made to other screening programmes.

Q: Will I also receive my cervical screening results via the NHS App?
A: Currently (June 2025), only cervical screening invitations and reminders are being
digitalised. We are continuing to work on digitalising other communication types such as
results, and we will provide updates when any changes are made.

 

 

 

 


Published on 17th Jun 2025

NHS Cervical Screening Programme - Changes from 1st July 2025

 

 

NHS Cervical Screening Programme – Changes from 1st July 2025

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme saves thousands of lives every year by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix that could develop into cancer, if left untreated. How often people need to have cervical screening is changing in England from 1st July 2025.

 

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes nearly all cervical cancers. Now that we have a better test for HPV, women and people with a cervix aged 25-49 years who test HPV negative, will be invited every 5 years, instead of every 3.

 

This change is strongly backed by robust scientific evidence. Studies have shown that if a person tests negative for HPV, they are extremely unlikely to go on to develop cervical cancer within the next 10 years.

 

If your cervical screening shows you have HPV, you may be invited for more frequent screenings to check HPV has cleared and, if not, if any cell changes have developed.

 

This move brings England into line with Scotland and Wales which have introduced this change, and with women aged 50 – 64 who are already invited every 5 years.

 

The way people can receive cervical screening invitations and reminders has also changed as this is now possible via the NHS App. To receive these, please download the NHS app and make sure your notifications are switched on. Find out more https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app If you don’t wish to use the App, we’ll attempt to contact you by text message or letter so, don’t worry, you won’t miss an invitation.

 

See Frequently Asked Questions for more information or visit Cancer Research UK’s website.

 

 


Published on 17th Jun 2025

Food Bank information

For information regarding Food Banks in the Redcar and Cleveland area please click on the link below:

https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support/food-banks?search_api_fulltext=TS10

 

 


Published on 13th Jun 2025

New Patient Registrations

The Practice has had permission from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to temporarily close the practice list.  Therefore, from Monday 16th December 2024, we will NOT be accepting any new patients, until further notice.

We apologise for any inconvenience & thank you for your understanding.


Published on 11th Dec 2024

Page last reviewed: 17 June 2025
Page created: 06 February 2024