NHS England is transforming digital services for screening programmes, with a vision that a third of all NHS interactions will be delivered through the NHS App and other digital tools within 5 years. As part of this, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme is introducing digital communications, and all Cervical Screening communications have now moved to a new digital process.
FAQs
Q: How do I download the NHS App?
A: The NHS App is available on iOS and Android through the App Store or Google Play Store. Further information about the app is available here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/
Q: I received a text message from NHSscreen to book my cervical screening appointment, is it genuine?
A: Yes, any SMS messages sent by Cervical Screening will come from NHSscreen.
Q: I have the NHS App downloaded; how do I ensure my notifications are switched on?
A: To manage your NHS App notifications: navigate to the NHS App and log in; select the Account icon in the top corner; select Notifications located under Settings. This page will
show you whether your notifications are on or off. To make changes to your notifications, follow the link to your device settings.
Q: Can I book my cervical screening appointment through the NHS App invitation?
A: Your invitation will direct you to book your cervical screening appointment in the same way you do currently do – either by contacting your GP practice or a local sexual health service.
Q: Why have I received an invitation from both my GP surgery and the NHS App?
A: Some GP surgeries may already be using SMS or an app to send invitations for cervical screening. In this case, you may receive multiple invitations from both your GP surgery and the NHS App. Please note, if you have booked your appointment following receiving either invitation, your appointment is booked, and no further action is required.
Q: Can I still receive a physical letter if I need to?
A: Physical letters will continue to be sent to those who do not read this NHS App messages within 72 hours.
Q: Why is the NHS using digital communications?
A: By using faster, more accessible digital communications and enhanced accuracy, cervical screening programmes will improve engagement and achieve significant cost savings, ensuring the long-term sustainability of NHS resources. The use of digital communications also conforms to current best practices and expectations when interacting with organisations.
Q: What is the difference between the NHS App and the app my GP surgery use?
A: The NHS App and apps used by GP surgeries are both used for accessing NHS services, but they are different platforms. The NHS App is a more comprehensive platform that includes features from apps such as ‘My GP’ and ‘Patient Access’ and is now recommended by the NHS as the preferred way to access these services. For cervical screening, you will only receive communications via the NHS App.
Q: Is it only cervical screening communications I can expect on the NHS app?
A: Bowel cancer screening is also rolling out digital-first communications in 2026. We will provide updates when any changes are made to other screening programmes.
Q: Will I also receive my cervical screening results via the NHS App?
A: If you have the NHS App downloaded, your results will be delivered via the NHS App within 2-3 weeks. If you don’t have NHS App, you will be sent a letter in the post.