CervicalCheck - The National Cervical Screening Programme today announced the publication of a 'Guide for Smeartakers'. Developed as a resource manual for GPs, practice nurses and medical practitioners that take smear tests as part of the CervicalCheck programme, the 'Guide for Smeartakers' reflects current best practice in the taking and management of quality smear tests.

The guide was developed by CervicalCheck's Smeartaker Training Unit and has been endorsed by CervicalCheck's academic partners - the National University of Ireland, Galway, the Irish College of General Practitioners and the Nursing Division of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland. Developed primarily to provide information about screening for cervical cancer and to support the education and training provided by the Smeartaker Training Unit, it also acts as an aid to assist smeartakers in giving quality information to women who present for routine cervical screening.

The guide comprises six sections with associated appendices and references for further reading, a glossary and useful contacts list. It can be used as a complete document or users can focus on the sections that are most relevant to their practice and needs. The guide format allows for regular updates in evolving practices in clinical care and to accomodate emerging research developments and regulatory changes.

Commenting on the publication of the 'Guide for smeartakers', Carol McNamara, National Smeartaker Training Co-ordinator said: 'In addition to the practical guidance provided, this guide was developed in response to an identified need for a referenced, up-to-date educational resource for Irish smeartakers. The guide promotes best practice principles and smear taking and is supported by international evidence from experts in the field of cervical screening. Smeartakers play a pivotal role in encouraging eligible women to avail of a free smear test. This guide will support the ongoing training and clinical updates provided by the Smeartaker Training Unit and it is hoped will prove an invaluable resource to all those involved in cervical screening in Ireland."

CervicalCheck became available to the 1.1 million eligible women aged 25-60 on 01 September 2008. A successful national programme in Ireland has the potential to cut current incidence rates of cervical cancer by up to 80% per year.

The 'Guide for Smeartakers' is available to download from www.cervicalcheck.ie or on request from the CervicalCheck Smeartaker Training Unit at stu@cervicalcheck.ie or 061 461 190.

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