Cervical Screening

Program Overview and Rationale

This program is a collaboration of Northern Sydney Central Coast Health (NSCCH) and The Central Coast Division of General Practice (CCDGP).

The Cervical Screening Steering Committee consists of:

Dr Karen Douglas	GP Consultant
Dr Peter Lewis	Manager NSCCAHS Public Health Unit, Ourimbah
(Vacant)	Manager Womens Health Nurses (NSCCH)
Jennie Sadler	Progam Manager
Amy Bernleitner	Cervical Screening Program Officer

The aim of the service is to provide an outreach clinic to women in the Wyong Shire for pap smears and breast checks. This area records one of the lowest screening rates in NSW.

The service opened in March 2004 and operates out of the Wyong Central Community Health Centre one day per week, with GPs volunteering their time.

Duration of Program and how it Operates

The clinic is held at The Wyong Central Community Health Centre 38A Pacific Highway Wyong.

NSCCH provides one consulting room and admin support during clinic hours.
The clinic operates 2 sessions between the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm on Wednesday of each week. During periods of low demand the outreach clinic operates either a morning or an afternoon session.
Pap smears and breast checks are the only services that will be provided at this clinic. Patients are encouraged to attend their own GP for all other care.
The patients are bulk billed for both their Pap smear and pathology, making this service accessible to all.
All Central Coast GPs are invited to participate in working at the clinic on a rostered sessional basis.
Patients are directed to this service through Central Coast Women's Health and GP practices on the Central Coast.
Further promotion is conducted through hospitals and community groups located in the Wyong region. The local print and electronic media also support this outreach service by monthly promotions.
Appointments are made through the Division on the main reception number of 4365 2294
All patients are contacted one or two days prior to their appointment with a reminder call.

How the Program benefits GPs and their Patients

Patients are sometimes referred by their own GP in cases where the patient may prefer a consultation with a female GP or an alternative provider.

The Wyong Shire has a low number of GPs and less female GPs than other areas.

Current level of Program Participation / Utilisation

Ten GPs are now participating in the project on a voluntary basis.

Co-ordination of the Program

Amy Bernleitner
Cervical Screening Program Officer
Ph: 4365 2294
Fax: 4365 3836
Email: amy@ccdgp.com.au

More Information

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