Cervical Screening
Very Important Invitation is a co-production between Suffolk GP+, Public Health bodies, local charities, women and people in the community to promote accessible cervical screening.
Cervical Screening
Where our service operates from
- Bury St Edmunds
- Felixstowe
- Ipswich
- Stowmarket
- Wickham Market
- East Bergholt
- Hadleigh
- Glemsford
- Eye
Appointments available on evenings and weekends
Cervical screening (smear test) can be difficult for many people. You may feel anxious or worried about attending, this could be for many reasons and may include:
a mental health condition
previous cervical screening experience(s)
previous traumatic experience(s)
sexual and/or domestic violence
In 2023, data showed that about 4.6 million people aged 25 to 64 in England (1 in 3 people) have never been screened for cervical cancer or have not taken up their latest invitation to book appointments for screening.
This is a real concern, as we know that by attending for regular screening 99.8% of cervical cancer in the UK is preventable.
The Suffolk GP Federation provides a screening service that puts its patients at the centre of its care and we will listen to what you need.
You may also wish to consider asking for an appointment just to talk about what happens during the screening first (you do not have to have the test at this appointment).
You will have a female nurse. She will be kind and gentle. You can bring a friend. You will be offered a chaperone.
Requesting an appointment is easy – you can book direct through the link or contact your own GP practice. It is important you let us know of any extra support or concerns you may have so we can provide this at your appointment and allow you to feel safe. You are in control.
The service is being managed by Suffolk GP Federation on behalf of GP practices and includes evening and weekend screening appointments via the Suffolk GP+ service.
Clinics running from bases in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Felixstowe, Haverhill, Stowmarket, Hadleigh, Glemsford, Eye and Wickham Market.
Meet The Team
Lucy Ainsley – Public Health & Diagnostic Service Manager
Lucy has previously worked in business development roles and enjoys communicating and building relationships at all levels. Lucy feels passionate about making healthcare better for people living with disabilities & has a focus on health equality. Lucy feels that healthcare & cervical screening should be accessible to all patients across Suffolk and likes to support with reasonable adjustments to make this possible. Lucy thrives on being busy and supporting the projects growth.
T: 07931 264153 E: Lucy.Ainsley@suffolkfed.org.uk
Ashleigh Townes Cervical Screening Project Admin Assistant
Ashleigh has been working for the Suffolk GP Fed for around 2 years. Starting back in January 2020 and working through Covid as an Executive Assistant for our Executive Team. Ashleigh has now joined the Cervical Screening team and is passionate about women’s health and feels strongly about offering equality and diversity in healthcare. You will often see Ashleigh out and about at our community engagement events and is the face behind our social media and website.
T: 07572 264085 E: Ashleigh.Townes@suffolkfed.org.uk
Maddy Dunningham – Cervical Screening Lead Nurse
Maddy has been a nurse for 8 years with a background in obstetrics and gynaecology and has spent the last 6 years working as a practice nurse. She is passionate about women’s health with a particular interest in menopause. Maddy believes healthcare should be accessible to all and is keen to ensure that patients voices are heard.
T: 07931 264230 E: Maddy.Dunningham@suffolkfed.org.uk
Hannah Ismay – Cervical Screening Health Educator, Assessor & Trainer
Hannah has been a nurse for 16 years, during this time Hannah has worked within both the district nursing and school nursing teams and more recently has worked for a number of years as a practice nurse. Hannah has a keen interest supporting and improving the physical and mental health of patients across Suffolk. Hannah is passionate about educating and offering support to ensure that cervical screening is offered to all women, trans men and intersex patients and is committed to reducing health exclusion and inequalities, challenging stigma, and discrimination in health care.
T: 07903137047 E: Hannah.Ismay@suffolkfed.org.uk
Natalie McCullough – Cervical Screening Community Outreach Nurse
Natalie has recently joined the team and has a background in primary and emergency care. She is passionate about holistic care and empowering people to be in control of their own health. Natalie is keen to support patients and service users to access individualised and personalised care.
T:07895 211435 E: Natalie.McCullough@suffolkfed.org.uk
Lilith Holdsworth – Cervical Screening Community Outreach Nurse
Lilith has recently joined the team with a background in both primary and secondary care. Her previous role saw her working in Defence Primary Healthcare where she managed the cervical screening programme for serving military personnel. She has an interest in health promotion and understanding potential challenges individuals may face when accessing healthcare services. Lilith is passionate about inclusivity and advocating for those who may need extra support.
T: 07895 211418 E: Lilith.Holdsworth@suffolkfed.org.uk
Cervical Cytology Nurse, Trainer & Assessor
Olivia has been a Nurse since 2013 working initially at the Hospital as a ward sister in respiratory. She has also worked as a specialist palliative care nurse within the hospital, community and hospice setting. Most recently Olivia has worked in General Practice.
She has a keen interest in Cytology, education, and Women’s Health. Olivia is keen to break down barriers in communication and empower women around their physical and sexual health.
T: 07895 211396 E: Olivia.Rudland@suffolkfed.org.uk
Follow the Very Important Invitation project on social media:
If you would like to give any suggestions or feedback about the service please feel free to email us on: sgpfed.veryimportantinvitation@suffolkfed.org.uk
Reducing cervical screening inequalities for trans people: https://phescreening.blog.gov.uk/2019/04/10/reducing-cervical-screening-inequalities-for-trans-people/
Here at Very Important Invitation, we thought we would have a go at writing a blog for you each week covering a new topic or a summary of the work we are doing.