Kia ora koutou,
Almost 6 months in since the launch of HPV Primary Screening in Aotearoa and we continue to get feedback from screen-takers across the motu, that they are seeing more unscreened people coming forward for an HPV self-test.
Thank you all for your mahi and feedback as we transition to the next phase of the Programme.
Whakarongorau Helpline and Sector Support
Whakarongorau Aotearoa has been running an HPV Helpline since September 12, 2023, to provide support for the implementation of the new National Cervical Screening Register(NCSP-R) and HPV primary screening pathway.
The Helpline team received calls on the 0800 729 729 number as overflow from the Regional NCSP Coordination Centres and offered assistance to programme participants, the general public, cervical screen takers, and others who required information about HPV primary screening. A Clinical Nurse Lead – HPV was employed to provide support for callers who had more complicated or clinical issues and the Clinical Leads in the NCSP were available to assist with the very complex issues.
Now that enquiries are back to manageable levels, the Helpline service will end on March 3, 2024, and all calls to 0800 729 729 will return to being directly answered by the Regional NCSP Coordination Centres.
The Clinical Nurse Lead – HPV role held by Bridgette Love, has proven successful and will continue to be available as a subject matter expert on the Cervical Screening HPV programme.