Location

Gynaecology Outpatients, Ground Floor, Women and Children’s Hospital
Contact Number: 01482 607829

Key Staff

Women and Children’s Hospital

  • Mr Giannopoulos
  • Dr Flynn
  • Dr Booth
  • Mr Watson
  • Mr Henshaw

Nurse Colposcopist: Sarah Bolton

  • Colposcopy Secretary: 01482 624035

Colposcopy clinics are for women with abnormal smear results. Colposcopy is an integral part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme. This programme aims to reduce the number of people who develop invasive cervical cancer and the number of people who die from it. The programme is responsible for a 42%  drop in the number of cases of cervical cancer countrywide.

Following an abnormal smear result, you may be referred for a colposcopy examination so that the colposcopist can look at your neck of womb (cervix), identify any potential problem and treat it. About one in 12 smears come back as ‘abnormal’. An abnormal or positive smear test very rarely means that you have cancer.

There are 9 clinics each week and one nurse-led smear clinics also runs once a month. Nursing staff are available for any advice or worries that you may have regarding your examination and/or treatment. We offer treatment at your first visit if appropriate.

Changing or Cancelling Appointments

If you wish to change or are unable to keep an appointment for any reason, please phone the colposcopy secretary as soon as possible so that your appointment can be offered to another patient.  We automatically discharge and refer patients back to their doctor if they fail to attend the first appointment on two occasions.

What do you need to bring to clinic?

Your appointment letter.

You might find it helpful to write down any questions that you have for the doctor or nurse colposcopist.

Relative/friend should you undergo treatment on the day of your appointment.

When you arrive in the Colposcopy Clinic

The Colposcopy clinic is a dedicated area within the Gynaecology Outpatients. Please report to the Reception desk where staff will check your personal details. These will include details of:

  • your name
  • your address, including postcode
  • Contact telephone number (including mobile telephone numbers)
  • Your GP name and address

This information is important, as it will allow us to contact you or your G.P if necessary.

What happens at a Clinic?

The examination will only last about 15 to 20 minutes and is similar to a smear test. The colposcopist will look at the neck of the womb (cervix) through a microscope (which remains outside the vagina). This allows them to see any abnormal areas.

Treatment may be offered at the initial visit or a small piece of tissue (a biopsy) taken if necessary. This is usually painless but some women feel slight discomfort.

A letter with the results of any smear or biopsy taken during the colposcopy will be sent in approximately 3-4 weeks after the examination, if appropriate. A leaflet that details the procedure is sent with the appointment letter.

Information on a smear test can be found at www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk

What happens after your Colposcopy appointment

The Colposcopist you see in clinic will let you know if a further appointment is needed and will record this on your appointment slip. If you decide that you no longer wish to be seen at the hospital, would you please contact the Colposcopy Service as soon as possible so that your appointment can be offered to another patient.

What should I do if I am on my period when my colposcopy appointment is due?

Please contact colposcopy secretary who may re-arrange your appointment.

Colposcopy Secretary: 01482 624035

What to do if you have problems after colposcopy with or without treatment?

If you have any heavy bleeding or signs of infection (smelly discharge or temperature) please contact your GP for advice. If you are unable to contact them please contact Gynaecology Outpatients for advice.

Gynaecology Outpatients, Ground Floor, Women and Children’s Hospital

Tel :  01482 607893

Useful Links

If you want to know more about colposcopy, cervical cancer, HPV infection and vaccination please visit the BSCCP website https://www.bsccp.org.uk/

Patient Information

Key Staff

Women and Children’s Hospital

  • Mr Giannopoulos
  • Dr Flynn
  • Dr Booth
  • Mr Watson
  • Mr Henshaw
  • Nurse Colposcopist Sarah Bolton