Videos aim to increase uptake of smear tests

Include messages about cervical screening for the area's whole population

- IAN BUNTING

A new suite of videos aimed at increasing the uptake of smear tests has been launched by NHS Lanarkshire.

They include messages about cervical screening for the whole population - and specifically for Lanarkshire’s South Asian communities.

Celia Briffa-Watt, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health, said: "We've created three videos with discussions about cervical screening - two podcasts and a lived-experience story.

"One of the podcasts is for a general audience and features two young women talking about cervical screening and how important it is to attend when invited.

"We know our cervical screening uptake in young women, especially those who receive their very first invitation, is lower than we'd like it to be.

"The other podcast has two young women of South Asian heritage chatting about the importance of going for a test despite the fact that it’s not a subject that’s often discussed in their community.

"The lived experience video is also aimed at our South Asian communities, where there may be a reluctance to attend for cervical screening for cultural reasons.