Health Screening - Important Updates.

Screening is an important way of checking for early signs of disease or a condition in people that don't know that they have symptoms. Screenings were disrupted earlier this year due to COVID 19 but the good news is that screening appointments are now up and running and are still available during the FireBreak and local lockdowns. There are some important changes and messages that you need to be aware of.

Types of Screening 

There are three main types of screening appointment, Maternal & Child, Cancer and Non Cancer

Cancer Screening

Cervical: Women aged 25 -64. Every three years for women aged 25-49 and every five years for women aged 50-64. Tested via cervical smear.

Breast: Women aged 50-70. Every three years, tested via breast x-ray.

Bowel:  Men and women aged 60-74. Tested every two years via poo sample kit, completed at home and returned by post

Non Cancer Screening

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening: Men aged 65, a one off test with an ultrasound scan.

Diabetic Eye Screening: Everyone aged 12 and over with diabetes. Tested every year with photographs of the eye.

Maternal & Child

Ante-natal Screening

New-born Bloodspot

New-born Hearing

Key Messages 

 Taking part in screening is something you can do to look after your health.

•    Even if you live in an area that is in a local lockdown, PHW are still encouraging people to attend their screening appointments.

•  All of the programmes in Wales are now inviting people for screening. If you have missed your appointment, are due for screening or your screening invitation has been delayed, be assured PHW are working very hard to catch up

• It is really important that you let PHW know if you will not be attending your appointment, for whatever reason. They might be able to offer your appointment to someone else

COVID Secure Measures

PHW have introduced measures to keep you and their staff safe when you attend for your screening appointment. These measures may include:

•   Waiting outside until called
•   Staff wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as they will need to be near you (within 2 metres)
•   Being asked to wear a face covering when attending
•   Having fewer people in healthcare buildings – you will probably only see the person taking your test
• Deep cleaning of equipment and waiting areas
•  Having hand sanitiser available
•  To stop the spread of coronavirus do not attend for screening if you have symptoms of coronavirus, have tested positive, or have been advised to quarantine or self-isolate.

Remain Vigilant

PHW are working hard to catch up with appointments delayed due to COVID 19. Appointments are being prioritised according to those who had their appointments cancelled and those who have been waiting the longest. Screenings are taking longer to work through due to extra cleaning measures and restrictions in the number of people able to attend a clinic. In the meantime it's important to monitor your health and wellbeing. If you are worried about any changes in your health please do not wait to be invited for screening. It is very important you speak to someone at your GP surgery even if you have had a previous normal screening test.