This section contains cervical screening resources in different formats which will aide sample takers in their consultations with women. By using these resources, you can ensure that content is understandable to everyone, regardless of disability, impairments, or literacy levels. Its purpose is to promote equality, enable independence, and guarantee that individuals can access services, exercise their rights, and make informed, independent decisions regarding screening.
Multilingual Cervical screening information sheets and forms
The links below lead to translations of the sample CervicalCheck Information Sheet and Cervical Screening Form. These documents are to aid you in explaining what cervical screening is to participants where English is not their first language. However, you must use the English screening form when you are submitting the screening sample.
If you would like to suggest a language the forms should be translated into, please email communications@screeningservice.ie
Multilingual CervicalCheck information videos - for participants and healthcare professionals
Watch the CervicalCheck information videos in 22 languages
In order for a woman to make informed consent, it is important that she is given information in a way that she can understand. The National Screening Service have developed the following resources to aide sample takers in explaining what cervical screening is. The resources use easy to read plain english and photo story formats.
We also have a video that maybe helpful.
Video - Going for a Cervical Screening Test - with subtitles
Video - Going for a Cervical Screening Test - without subtitles
Colposcopy can be an overwhelming experience for some women, and the success of the appointment often depends on the quality of pre-visit counselling provided by the sample taker. Clear and supportive communication helps ensure the woman understands the procedure and feels prepared.
To support this, we have developed a range of resources in easy-read, plain English, and storybook formats to assist you in explaining the procedure effectively.
Every screening test has benefits and harms and is never 100% accurate. In order for a woman to make an informed choice to participate in screening it is important that she understands both. We have developed an easy read leaflet and a plain english version to aide in supporting the woman to ensure she understands the benefits and harms of screening.
The National Screening Service have a responsibility to protect women's information and keep it safe and private. The woman's information will only be shared with others involved in your care. The woman must give consent for this. The following resources are available to aide you as a sample taker in explaining how their information is stored and shared.
It is every woman's choice to take part in screening and they should be supported in making their decision to take part or not. We have developed the following resources to aide women who may require additional support in making an informed choice to participate in screening.
Braille resources are available by contacting access@cervicalscreening.ie. This information will be sent directly to the woman.
The NSS have published "A guide to screening for carers and the people they support" is to help carers in Ireland support individuals—whether family, friends, or clients—in understanding, accessing, and participating in the country's four national health screening programmes.
The guide is designed to:
- Equip carers with essential information about each screening programme, including eligibility, test types, and frequency.
- Support carers in helping individuals make informed decisions about screening, respecting their right to choose and ensuring consent is informed and freely given.
- Provide practical guidance on registration, preparation, and what to expect before, during, and after screening appointments.
- Explain how to request reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities or additional needs, making screening more accessible.
- Highlight the importance of early detection and symptom awareness, while clarifying that screening is for people without symptoms and that symptoms should prompt immediate GP contact.
- Offer resources and checklists to help carers communicate, plan, and advocate for the people they support.
Its main goal is to ensure that everyone eligible for Ireland's national screening programmes can access and benefit from early disease detection, with the right support and accommodations, and with respect for their dignity and choices.