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Care Opinion

Why can't there be choice given to us?

Posted By HF

"Why can't there be choice given to us?"

About: Ayrshire & Arran Community Services

(as a service user),

I am in my 50s. For 30 years I had regular smear tests as advised. During that time I had 2 painful experiences when a brush was used to collect cells instead of a spatula.

I am told now that a brush is always used and that a spatula is no longer an option. For this reason I have not had a smear test in 8 years as it is too painful and distressing. Why can't there be choice given to us?

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Responses

Response from Eunice Goodwin, Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 6 years ago
Eunice Goodwin
Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

I respond initially to most of the posts and ensure they are passed to the appropriate team whether they are compliments, observations or grumbles. It is important to make sure all issues are addressed and I try to encourage that to happen for all the posts as required.

Submitted on 14/06/2017 at 13:38
Published on Care Opinion at 15:18

picture of Eunice Goodwin

Dear HF,

Here is the response from Dr Holman.

“I am sorry you have had a distressing experience.

The use of a brush is part of the liquid-based cytology ( LBC) system use across the UK and elsewhere e.g. USA. LBC was introduced in Scotland in 2004 as it results in fewer unreadable specimens, allows for HPV ( Human Papilloma Virus) testing on the same sample, and allows laboratories to process slides more quickly and efficiently. Wooden spatulas are not compatible with the liquid based cytology specimen so are not used any more. This is why we cannot offer a choice of sampler.

Without more details I can’t tell if it was the brush that made a difference to the discomfort felt. As you are in your 50s the menopause may have been a factor in discomfort. There are many factors that can influence feelings of discomfort. A discussion with an experienced smear taker may help identify things that could be done to help”

Dr R Holman FRCOG

Medical Advisor to Cervical Screening Call Recall Office

---------------------------------

May I also add, I would like to encourage you to have the chat and hopefully also your smear. Screening is such an important tool in our box for health. In fact, your post reminded me that I received a letter to make my appointment for cervical screening last week and I have just made my appointment.

Thank you for reminding me.


best wishes,

Eunice

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Update posted by HF (a service user)

Eunice, thank you for your thoughtful and informative reply. I had a painful brush experience prior to menopause and another some years later, after menopause. I did discuss my concerns with my GP and was told there was no option other than the brush.

It concerns me that a whole new generation of young women may experience pain and consider this normal when it should not be. Is this method of collecting cells simply clinical convenience? I consider myself low risk and will simply not put myself through this experience again.

Response from Eunice Goodwin, Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 6 years ago
Eunice Goodwin
Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

I respond initially to most of the posts and ensure they are passed to the appropriate team whether they are compliments, observations or grumbles. It is important to make sure all issues are addressed and I try to encourage that to happen for all the posts as required.

Submitted on 15/06/2017 at 10:41
Published on Care Opinion at 16:09

picture of Eunice Goodwin

Dear HF,

I am sorry to hear how distressing this has been for you and I do feel it is a shame that you feel so strongly that it has put you off having a potentially life-saving test. Is there anything we can do to possible alleviate your concerns? Would it be helpful to have a chat about it?

There are several different factors that could account for your experience and with some exploration, we may be able to considerably improve a future experience. If you wish to contact me, there are a few avenues we can explore. If you still wish to decline the offer of a smear test, it is absolutely your choice.

Should you wish to contact me, my details are -Eunice.goodwin@aapct.scot.nhs.uk and 01563 826222.

I look forward to having the chance to have a chat with you,

Best wishes,

Eunice

(I am sorry, but I am not contactable tomorrow)

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