Stephanie Barnes describes an initiative to raise awareness and increase uptake of cervical testing among hard-to-reach groups, which was launched following a population needs analysis that identified screening as a priority health issue

The Isle of Wight Sexual Health Service (SHS) cervical screening initiative aims to reduce the risk of cervical cancer through the education and opportunistic cervical screening of eligible women. The nurse-led initiative targets hard-to-reach women in particular, for example, when they attend for reasons other than cervical screening, such as unplanned pregnancy. The scheme also aims to increase screening uptake and raise awareness about cervical cancer prevention. This article describes the work of the SHS and outlines practical points and potential replication that could be extended to other sexual health environments.