Our Services

At present, waiting times for certain services can be quite lengthy. The practice does not have access to individual waiting times, however we do understand that patients may want to know how long the referral time is.

Please find below the telephone numbers for different outpatient services in our area:

• ​NBT General Outpatients (Cossham, Southmead): 0300 555 0103
• NBT Radiology: 0300 300 0089
• UHB General Outpatients (Bristol Children's Hospital, St Michael's Hospital, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol Haematology & Oncology): 0117 342 6888

Additional information can be found on the NHS website

If you have opted to receive communication by text, then we will notify you of your booking referral via the mobile number registered in your medical records. Elderly patients, those with communication needs or patients who have opted out of text communication will continue to receive booking referral information by post.  We would like to remind patients that it is important to tell us of any changes to your telephone number or address. You can also tell us at any time if you would like to change your communication preference. 

We invite all eligible women and people with a cervix, between the ages of 25 and 64 to have a test. The first screening invitation is usually sent in advance of your birthday to ensure you are screened by the age of 25.  Follow up invitations are sent in accordance with the national screening programme. It is really important that you keep us updated with any address or telephone changes so invitations and subsequent results are sent to the right place.  

Please note that patients can only book into an appointment if they have received an invitation.

Unfortunately, we are unable to carry out a smear test if you have had any of the following in the 12 weeks before your appointment date:

• A pregnancy termination (abortion)
• A miscarriage
• Have given birth
• Had any kind on invasive vaginal or womb investigation, for example a hysteroscopy
• Had a coil fitted

We recognise and respect that taking part in screening is your personal choice. Please tell us if you have decided to opt out of the cervical screening programme so that we can code your records accordingly. You can choose to reverse this at any time if you change your mind. 

Although the test is quick, relatively simple and key to detecting cancer early, we appreciate that many patients don't find it easy. We have introduced the following steps which we hope will help

Before Your Appointment

If you have natural periods, it is best to avoid a smear test while bleeding. If you are on contraception and experience bleeding, our nurses can still take a smear sample providing the bleeding is not too heavy.

It is important that you follow the guidelines below before you attend for your appointment:

• Abstain from sexual intercourse for 24 hours prior to your appointment
• Do not use any creams or pessaries for 3 days prior to your smear test

Many patients prefer the convenience of booking appointments online, however we recommend calling to make your appointment if:

• You have any questions about your cervical screening appointment
• You would benefit from an interpreter. We can book translation services for you
• You would like a chaperone. You are welcome to bring someone with you into the appointment or you can request one of our trained chaperones
• You feel that you need a longer appointment. Speak with one of our receptionists, you don't have to provide too much information, and they will do their best to accommodate you

During The Appointment

We understand you may feel anxious when you arrive for your smear test, our trained Nurses will do their best to put you at ease. You will be given privacy to change and we will give you something to cover yourself with - you can of course bring something from home to cover you. The appointment is confidential and the nurse will lock the door whilst she takes the sample, however you can ask for the door to remain unlocked if this is what you prefer. The following suggestions may help when you attend your appointment:

• You may feel more comfortable wearing a skirt or long top 
• Feel free to discuss any concerns or ask any questions. Our Nurses are highly trained, experienced sample takers, no question is too big or small, and they will do their best to give you all the information you need
• Please ask if you would like to look at the equipment that is used to take the sample
• Feel free to listen to music or a podcast whilst the sample is taken
• Please tell the Nurse if you have a preferred position to be in when she takes the sample
• Do tell the Nurse if you are uncomfortable or in pain at anytime
• Please do not feel you need to rush when getting off the couch. You are welcome to lie down until you feel ok to get up. Let the Nurse know if you feel a little shaky or would like a glass of water

Results

Your Nurse will give you an approximate time as to when you can expect to receive your results. Occasionally, there can be a delay due to an increase in the number of tests that need to be processed. The test results will be sent by letter to your home address. 

​Please visit Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust for further, detailed information on cervical screening. 

From September 2024, it will be mandatory for our GPs to refer all patient deaths to the Medical Examiner Service.

The Medical Examiner Service has been introduced to increase understanding and offer peace of mind for families. Medical Examiners are independent, senior healthcare practitioners who come from a range of clinical backgrounds and have received specialist training to fulfil this role.

They explore each situation to check that the person who passed away received satisfactory care. They also make sure that the cause of death has been recorded accurately, and whether the Coroner needs to be notified.

They do this by reviewing the person’s medical records and communicating with the GP who looked after them. If the Medical Examiner has any concerns about the quality of care, or if they feel that the death needs investigating further, they will refer this to the Coroner.

Relatives can be assured that Medical Examiners provide an independent view. Once they have completed their review, a member of the team will be in contact within a few days of your bereavement. They can explain things without using complicated medical terms, are specially trained to answer any questions, and can act on any concerns you may have.

The Medical Examiner will make every effort to ensure there are no delays; they will work with the families and carers of the person who died to meet the legal requirements for registering deaths.

They also understand the need for priority in cases where the bereaved has expressed a wish for tissue and/or organ donation. Additionally, they will offer flexibility for those relatives whose religious faith requires the body to be released quickly.

Medical Examiner community phone number: 0117 414 0074