By KLTV Newsdesk – 

Pilot scheme sees strong public response as hundreds access convenient, drop-in service

A new mobile cervical screening unit piloted across Kirklees has been warmly welcomed by residents, with hundreds engaging with the initiative both online and in person.

Delivered by Kirklees Council’s Public Health Team in partnership with Locala, and funded by the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance, the mobile unit visited eight community locations across north and south Kirklees during March and April.

The project aimed to make cervical screening more accessible, particularly in areas where uptake has historically been lower.

This marked the first time cervical screening has been delivered in Kirklees via a mobile, drop-in unit, offering a more flexible alternative to traditional GP appointments.

Breaking Down Barriers to Screening

The pilot was designed to tackle common barriers that prevent people from attending screenings, including difficulty fitting appointments around work and family life, travel constraints, and concerns about clinical settings.

The presence of female screening nurses also helped provide reassurance to attendees.

For many residents, convenience proved to be the key factor.

Debbie from Lindley said: “I saw it on Facebook in the morning while I was making a cuppa and thought right, I’ll go now. I just didn’t get round to booking.”

Mrs Ahmed from Huddersfield said: “I got a text message from my GP telling me about it. It’s difficult finding time and fitting it around work and family. The staff really put me at ease, and it was really quick.”

Others who attended shared that they were overdue for screening or had not yet arranged a GP appointment, with the drop-in model providing an ideal solution.

Positive Early Feedback from Health Leaders

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Director of Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: “We are really encouraged by the response to our first mobile cervical screening pilot. Feedback shows that bringing the service directly into communities helped remove some of the barriers that can stop people from attending.

“Cervical screening saves lives by detecting changes early, often before symptoms develop. We would encourage anyone who is due or overdue to take up their invitation, whether through their GP practice or future community initiatives.”

Dr Nabanita Ghosh, Community Gynaecologist and Women’s Health Specialist, added: “It was encouraging to meet so many people who had been meaning to book their screening but found it difficult to attend their GP practice. The mobile unit created a friendly, supportive environment and many told us they felt reassured after attending.

“Cervical screening helps prevent cancer by detecting changes early, often before any symptoms appear. If you are invited, please take up the offer.”

Ongoing Evaluation and Next Steps

Full attendance data and the longer-term impact on screening uptake will continue to be reviewed as part of the pilot’s evaluation.

In the meantime, anyone aged 25 to 64 who is due or overdue for cervical screening is encouraged to contact their GP practice to book an appointment.