13,000 women called for smear tests after error

Thousands of women are to be called for smear tests following errors in Scotland’s cervical screening programme.

In 2021, it was discovered that a number of women had died from cervical cancer after being wrongly excluded from NHS Scotland’s screening list.  Now a further review expects to find 13,000 patients who have had a hysterectomy will need further tests.

Women between the ages of 25 and 64 are offered smear tests to check for HPV, which is the main cause of cervical cancer.  MSPs were informed in 2021 that a small number had died after wrongful exclusion from the programme and that further incorrect exclusions were possible.

The most common reason for exclusion was after a total hysterectomy, where the entire cervix has been removed, meaning there was no need for cervical screening.  However, some were recorded as having had this procedure where there was only a sub-total or partial hysterectomy, meaning cervical screening was still needed.

Samantha Dixon, chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said women should not be alarmed, adding “This audit is part of a wider piece of work ensuring that everyone eligible for cervical screening is being regularly invited.

“It might sound worrying, but do remember cervical cancer is a rare cancer and risk of developing it remains low.”

A spokesperson from the Scottish government apologised for “any anxiety caused by the audit”, adding “The risk to those who have been excluded is low and it is very much a precautionary step as the overwhelming majority of exclusions will be correct.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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