Health
Public Health Wales apology over lack of clarity on smear test changes
PUBLIC HEALTH WALES has apologised and admitted it hasn’t “done enough” to explain the reasons for increasing the length of time between cervical screening tests.
The change, which was announced on Tuesday, means people aged between 25 and 50 with a cervix will now wait five years until another test, rather than three, providing no human papillomavirus (HPV) cells are detected.
HPV is a very common virus that most people will come into contact with at some time during their lives. One or more high-risk types of HPV are present in over 99.8% of cervical cancers.
HPV testing was successfully introduced in Wales in 2018 and almost nine out of 10 results show no high-risk HPV.
There are about 160 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed every year in Wales and it is the most common cancer in women under the age of 35.
But Public Health Wales has admitted it has failed to give clear information over the change, leading to concerns cancers could be missed.
In a tweet this weekend PHW said: “We are sorry. We haven’t done enough to explain the changes to cervical screening and have caused concern. We are working to make this clearer and more information will be available as soon as we can today and in the coming days.”
Cancer charities have sought to reassure women concerned by the change. Cancer Research UK has said people should be aware increasing the gap between screenings is “safe” and the new form of testing means people are invited for further based on their risk of developing cancer rather than their age.
An online petition, calling for the reintroduction of the three year gap between routine smear tests, has now attracted more than 680,000 signatures.
Alice Davies, Cancer Research UK’s health information manager, said people should be aware the decision to increase the time between screenings was made on scientific advice and due to a new way of testing samples which detects human papilloma virus (HPV) and means doctors are better able to identify those at risk of developing cervical cancer.
Ms Davies said: “As the new test is more accurate at finding those at risk of cervical cancer, screening intervals can be safely extended from three to five years.
“If someone is HPV positive then their next screening interval will be shorter than five years. The new test allows women to be invited back for screening based on their risk of developing cervical cancer, rather than just their age.
“Overall this makes the programme more accurate, and means people don’t have extra rounds of screening that wouldn’t give them any benefit, while offering more screening to people at higher risk.”
On Wednesday Public Health Wales said it accepted it has to do more to explain the reasons for the change.
Charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, described as the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity, has sought to reassure people concerned about the changes.
It has said the change has been introduced following advice from the UK National Screening Committee which recommended the five year gap between tests due to the use of HPV tests which are more sensitive and effective.
It said this means the advice is most women aged 25 to 49 can, as those aged 50 to 64 are, can be tested every five years rather than three.
The charity says the improved testing will likely mean more lives saved by identifying those at greater risk of cancer earlier.
According to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust women in Wales, and Scotland, are invited back based on the result of the screening.
If those show high-risk HPV and cell changes you will be invited to colposcopy.
If it identified high-risk HPV but no cell changes you will be invited for cervical screening in one year.
If there is no HPV you will be invited for cervical screening in five years.
Public Health Wales says HPV testing was introduced in Wales in 2018 and almost nine out of 10 results show no high-risk HPV.
Heather Lewis, consultant in public health for Cervical Screening Wales said: “The HPV test we now use in Wales is more effective at identifying people at higher risk of developing cell changes which can cause cervical cancer.
“The evidence shows that it is therefore safe to extend the time between cervical screening tests for people who do not have HPV identified.”
HPV is a very common virus that most people will come into contact with at some time during their lives. One or more high-risk types of HPV are present in over 99.8% of cervical cancers.
Increasing the time between smear tests will also reduce risks from screening.
Head of Programme for Cervical Screening Wales at Public Health Wales, Louise Dunk said: “Testing everyone who attends for cervical screening using a test for high risk HPV will identify those at risk and prevent more cancers than just examining the cells alone.
“It is a really positive development that this more effective test will mean that women and people with a cervix, who test negative for HPV, now only need to attend their testing every five years, rather than three.”
There are around 160 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed every year in Wales and it is the most common cancer in women under the age of 35.
Health
Rising trend of private healthcare use among friends and family in Wales
MORE than half of UK residents report having close family or friends who have used private healthcare services, according to the latest data from the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN). In Wales, this figure is 58%, slightly above the UK-wide average of 55%. Meanwhile, 32% of Britons have used private healthcare themselves, with regions such as the East Midlands (64%) and Northern Ireland (59%) showing even higher familiarity with private healthcare options.
David Hare, Chief Executive of IHPN, said: “Private healthcare is becoming more mainstream, with people increasingly opting for private services to access healthcare more easily and quickly. Our findings highlight that most people in the UK know someone close who has used private healthcare, whether through insurance or self-pay. This demonstrates a shift toward private healthcare as a convenient and accessible option.”
The survey found that 45% of those choosing private healthcare did so because of long NHS waiting times, while 27% preferred the ease of booking private appointments. Around 20% receive private healthcare through work, and 17% believe private services offer higher-quality care. Accessibility is another key factor, with half of respondents agreeing that private healthcare is more accessible than NHS options.
Top Treatments Accessed Privately:
- Doctor consultation: 45%
- Diagnostic treatment (e.g., scans): 45%
- Other healthcare professional consultations: 35%
- GP appointments: 34%
- Minor operations (same-day discharge): 25%
- Major operations (overnight stay): 16%
- Ongoing serious condition treatment (e.g., cancer): 5%
IHPN’s Five Steps to Choosing Private Healthcare
If you’re considering private healthcare, IHPN suggests these key steps:
- Do Your Research: Consult inspection reports from national care regulators like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England and the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN). Scotland and Wales have independent inspectorates, available at hiw.org.uk and healthcareimprovementscotland.scot.
- Explore Payment Plans: Many providers offer flexible payment options, making private care more affordable.
- Find Local Options: Use resources such as ihpn.org.uk or phin.org.uk to locate private providers nearby.
- Take Control: It’s your choice; seek recommendations from friends and family or consult online ratings to find the right clinician or clinic. Your GP can also offer support.
- Book a Consultation: Before committing, schedule a consultation with a private provider to discuss treatment options and ask questions. Bring someone you trust if you wish, and take notes.
For more information on private healthcare options in the UK, visit ihpn.org.uk. For additional information, interviews, or case studies, contact Helen Trevorrow at 0794 000 9138 or [email protected].
Source: Statistics are from the “Going Private 2024” report by IHPN and Public First, based on a survey of 2,004 respondents across the UK.
Health
Smoke-free ambitions clouded by concerns over illicit market
THE UK government introduced its Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Parliament today, aiming to create a “smoke-free generation” by prohibiting anyone born after 1 January 2009 from legally purchasing cigarettes for the rest of their lives. The Bill also proposes strict new restrictions on nicotine products, including vapes, heat-not-burn products, and nicotine pouches.
Public health experts in Wales are largely supportive of the new legislation, seeing it as a potential driver in reducing the strain on the NHS in Wales. Smoking-related illnesses are a major contributor to healthcare costs, and advocates argue that curbing smoking among future generations will yield long-term health and economic benefits. This could be especially impactful in Welsh regions where smoking rates are persistently high.
However, there is also concern about how restrictions on safer nicotine alternatives, such as vapes and heat-not-burn products, could impact Welsh individuals trying to quit smoking. The Welsh NHS has invested in smoking cessation programs that promote these alternatives, and some fear that restrictions on these products may reduce access to effective cessation tools, ultimately affecting health outcomes.
Mike Salem, UK Country Associate for the Consumer Choice Center (CCC), reacted to the news: “Whilst it is predictable that the prohibition was going to be introduced, I am extremely concerned and disappointed with how little regard the government has had for consumers’ voices, particularly the young voices.”
The Bill revives an initiative initially proposed by the previous Conservative government before the election, though Labour’s version brings in tougher regulations. The proposal has sparked debates across various groups, with health advocates supporting the measures and others, like the CCC, voicing concerns about potential unintended consequences.
Illicit market worries
The CCC has highlighted fears that prohibitions may fuel an already significant black market for tobacco products in the UK. According to Salem, 2023 saw the highest number of illicit cigarettes consumed in the country, with one in five cigarettes sold illegally. He warns that restrictions risk expanding this underground market.
“It is no surprise that gangs and illegal suppliers are already positioning themselves in this market in anticipation of the prohibition,” Salem said. He cited experiences from other regions, such as the state of Victoria in Australia, where similar prohibitions have led to gang-related violence and exposed children to criminal activities, including arson.
Impact on young people
Critics of the Bill argue that the Labour Party’s approach may negatively impact young people, whom they claim are already disadvantaged by recent policies. “The Labour Party has shown that it is the Party of Boomers, and is letting young people down,” Salem said. He added that recent increases in tuition fees and levies on alcohol and soft drinks, along with tougher employment markets, restrict young people’s lifestyle choices and increase their exposure to illegal markets.
Public health debate
Supporters of the Bill believe these measures are necessary to protect public health. They argue that strict controls on tobacco and nicotine products are crucial steps towards reducing smoking rates, improving long-term health outcomes, and reducing the burden on the NHS. Advocates also believe that limiting youth exposure to nicotine will reduce future smoking rates.
However, Salem argues that the Bill may have the opposite effect. “Not everyone can quit cold turkey,” he said, noting that many people have found success using alternative products like vapes, heat-not-burn devices, and nicotine pouches. “Restricting safer methods of consuming nicotine makes it extremely difficult for those who are trying hard to quit smoking to do so permanently and positively.”
Alternative solutions proposed
The CCC says it is calling on the government to ensure existing laws are enforced first, such as banning nicotine sales to under-18s, before introducing a total prohibition. They argue that failing to do so will lead to worse public health outcomes and put consumers and children in a vulnerable position. The Bill now moves forward for further debate, with both sides urging careful consideration of the potential impacts on public health, youth, and the illicit market.
Health
Welsh GP committee reject contract offer and hold referendum for members
BMA Cymru Wales’ GP committee has voted unanimously to reject the Welsh Government’s offer for the 2024/2025 GMS (General Medical services) contract, as it fails to provide a credible and sustainable future for general practice.
GPs in Wales will now vote on whether to accept or reject the contract in a referendum which will open later this month.*
Dr Gareth Oelmann, chair of the BMA’s Welsh GP committee said:
“The decision to disregard the serious concerns and valuable contribution of general practice once again in Wales is beyond insulting, it is dangerous, leaving more surgeries and their patients in peril.
“We are deeply concerned that this offer will leave more practices with no option but to close their doors. GP practices are being denied the resources they need to deliver vital services to the population.
“For years, the service has been starved of adequate funding which has led to the closure of 100 surgeries since 2012. This is having a devastating impact on general practice.
“A recent survey** of our members showed that 91% of GPs are routinely unable to meet patient demand due to unsustainably high workloads.
“With 100 fewer surgeries for patients to turn to, GPs are now seeing up to 35% more patients each, causing unsustainably high workloads and burnout with doctors being expected to do more with less, risking patient safety. How long can this continue?”
Dr Oelmann continued: “General Practice is the foundation of a high-quality, cost-effective health system, but successive governments have insisted on ignoring the vital role general practice plays in the national health service.
“Welsh Government had an opportunity to change the current trajectory but has failed to do so. It is now up to GPs to decide what happens next.”
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