After the success of last year’s walk-in cervical screening clinic in Blandford, where 43 tests took place and many more were booked, Blandford Group Practice will be running another drop-in clinic on Saturday 21 June, to mark Cervical Screening Awareness Week (19–24 June 2025).
The cervical screening clinic (previously known as the smear test) is for people aged 25 to 64, with a cervix, who are patients at the practice. It’s a walk-in session, so no appointment is needed, people can just turn up.
Louise Packham, Senior Nurse Manager at Blandford Group Practice said, “Lots of people told us they had been putting off their test. The clinics last year were so successful because people liked that they could just walk in without booking.
“We have had patients request a Saturday clinic, so we have listened and hope that having it on a Saturday will really help, especially for people who work or look after children.
“We’ll have two GP’s and two nurses at the clinic on Saturday 21st June at the Whitecliff Surgery Blandford. You can come in for your test or just have a chat if you’re not sure.
“If it’s busy, there might be a short wait. Just pop in anytime between 8:30am – 12pm and speak to our friendly reception team.”
According to NHS England, cervical screening prevents around 5,000 deaths a year in England by detecting early changes before they develop into cancer.
Dr Paul Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Dorset ICB, said, “If you think you’re due a cervical screening appointment, please check with your practice.
“This important test helps find early changes that could stop cancer before it starts. We know some people feel nervous, but general practice nurses are trained and professional and used to helping people feel at ease.”
Cervical screening is for women and people with a cervix. Screening is offered every 3 years from age 25 to 49 and every 5 years from age 50 to 64. This is because most cervical cancers develop between these ages.
The walk-in clinic for Blandford Group Practice patients is this Saturday 21 June 2025, at Whitecliff Surgery, Blandford. People can drop in anytime between 8:30am and 12pm.
Only patients that are due for their screening should attend – only patients that are due for their screening should attend, so those who have received a letter or are overdue.
For more information people can visit the webpage: theblandfordgrouppractice.co.uk/drop-in-cervical-screening-clinic
Find out more about cervical screening or women’s health. This is a helpful website with local support, trusted information and links to services in Dorset.
