Gynaecology Services - National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP)

National Cervical Screening Programme

All women who have cervical smears or biopsies are part of the programme unless they say they do not want to join.  These results of women in the programme go into the National Cervical Screening Programme Register (NCSP-Register).  Benefits include:

• A record of your cervical smear test information is easily accessible to you, your smear taker and the laboratory reading the test.
• You are automatically sent a reminder letter if your cervical smear test is overdue.
• The NCSP-Register provides a back-up system to check that you receive appropriate follow-up if you have had an abnormal smear.
• Information on the NCSP-Register can be used to check how well the programme is working for all women.

How your results get onto the National Cervical Screening Programme Register

All cervical smear results will go to the NCSP Register unless you complete a "Withdraw from the Programme" form or write to the Programme with your request. To obtain a form please call 0800 729 729 (free phone).

The Privacy of National Cervical Screening Programme Register

The information in the NCSP-Register is protected by law and is strictly confidential.  Information used for monitoring, auditing and evaluating the programme can only be used under strict rules of confidentiality.

The National Kaitiaki Group has been set up by law to protect the use of Maori women's non-identifying data stored in the NCSP-Register.

Collection of Ethnic Information on the Register

Ethnic information allows cervical screening services to be designed and provided in ways that are culturally appropriate for women of different ethnic groups. This ensures that all women gain the benefits of cervical screening.

More Information

If you want to know more about the National Cervical Screening Register or the cervical smear test contact:

• Your doctor, nurse or smear taker
• The Family Planning Centre
• Your local Cervical Screening Programme on 0800 729 729.
• Women's Health Groups
• Maori Health Centres
• The Ministry of Health
• Pacifica
• The Cancer Society
• www.HealthyWomen.org.nz

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

If you have any bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause, or if you have a discharge, don't wait for your next smear test. See your doctor as soon as possible.

For more information contact your local National Cervical Screening Programme staff on 0800 729 729.