Cervical Screening Sample Taker Initial Training

Cervical sample taking is one element of a complex screening pathway. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) requires that all cervical sample takers have undertaken appropriate training to acquire the level of knowledge, clinical skill and understanding of the cervical screening programme needed to undertake the role of the cervical sample taker and uphold the standards of the NHSCSP. Our Cervical Sample Taker Training course is designed to equip the clinician with these necessary skills, following the NHSCSP guidance on education and training.

This training course is comprehensive and requires support, protected time and commitment from the trainee, in-house mentor, and practice manager/employer. Please do not underestimate the requirements to successfully complete the course.

Eligibility

This programme is currently open to registered nurses and registered nursing associates. Going forward, further eligible roles may be included should the relevant funding stream allow.

Taking cervical samples is a delegated activity and the nursing associate works within the remits of their professional code. The screening provider must consider safety, quality, competency and the Treatment of Disease, Disorder, or Injury (TDDI) legislation when deploying a nursing associate. When a nursing associate has registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), a registered professional listed under the legislation will need to supervise their practice. The individual who provides this professional support must be present at the GP practice to undertake indirect supervision of the nursing associate when carrying out the procedure.

Summary of Training

The theoretical training takes place over two face-to-face classroom-based days. It is essential that trainees attend BOTH training days. These two days include a three-hour practical sample-taking element using a teaching pelvic model and a range of specula. This equipment will be available for the duration of the two day training.

The theoretical training covers all competencies outlined in the Skills for Health Competency Framework and the eight topic areas set out below:

Topic 1: The NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHS CSP)
Topic 2: Background to Cervical Screening
Topic 3: Organisation of the NHS CSP
Topic 4: Equality of Access to Cervical Screening
Topic 5: Cervical Screening Sample Requests
Topic 6: Understanding the Test Results
Topic 7: Anatomy and Physiology of the Pelvic Organs
Topic 8: Practical Aspects of Taking Cervical Samples
Topic 9: hrHPV Self-Testing

External Assessment

Whilst some training providers only offer a final external assessment, we include an initial, mid-point and final assessment as a gold standard.

The assessments will take place with an external assessor appointed by the PCWTH.

External assessors are experienced sample takers who visit a trainee in their place of work to observe their practice and provide a response on their competence. By signing the application form you are agreeing that the trainee can undertake all the practical elements of the course in their place of work, including the external assessments.

The nominated in-house mentor should be available after the external assessments for discussion with the external assessor and trainee. For nursing associates, the nominated in-house mentor MUST be available on the premises during the whole assessment.

The final assessment will be completed by a different external assessor for quality assurance.

How to apply?

There are two training provider options, please select your preference on the form below

Option 1 – Course led by South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce & Training Hub

Runs three times per year
All sessions take place at Studio 1, 389 Manor Lane, Sheffield S2 1UL

Option 2 – Course led by NEPSEC

Several cohorts per year
All NEPSEC cohorts are 2-days face-to-face at NEPSEC Wakefield.

Please note we are only taking expressions of interest at this time and completing registration form does not guarantee you a course place. We will contact you will further information and course dates in due course.

Click here to apply

Maintaining Competence & Update Training

Sample takers should keep up to date with the NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) and undertake continuous self-evaluation to ensure continued competence in accordance with their professional codes of conduct.

Sample takers should undertake an update training session every three years.

An NHSCSP nationally approved online update course can be accessed via e-lfh here.

Got questions? Click here to contact the team

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Cervical Screening Sample Taker Initial Training

Eligibility

Summary of Training

External Assessment

How to apply?

Maintaining Competence & Update Training

South Yorkshire

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