London, 19 August, 2010 - Eligible patients in NHS Tower Hamlets will soon be benefiting from receiving SMS invitations for cervical screening from their GP surgeries. Free to receive for the patient, the reminder service is fully funded by the PCT. All GP surgeries will use the secure and NHS approved iPLATO Patient Care Messaging system to streamline this communication.

According to the NHS, 900 women die from cervical cancer in England each year. It is therefore crucial to have a screening as it can help pick up changes in the cells of the cervix which could lead to cancer. Cancer Research UK estimates that up to 4,500 lives can be saved each year in England by having a cervical screening.

Experts agree that it is vital that patients are made aware of cervical screening service. Another challenge is to change attitudes towards smear tests within certain patient demographics and locations. This can be met with effective patient communication which is a key component in the PCT’s strategy to reach the national target.

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About NHS Tower Hamlets

The aim is to improve the health of local people living in Tower Hamlets in east London. The PCT wants to reduce inequalities in health and modernise services for local people. This can be achieved through assessing the health needs of our communities, commissioning services from hospital trusts and other local organisations, and by providing a range of services ourselves.Bottom of Form