Mobile Cervical Screening Van Brings Life-Saving Tests to Birmingham Communities
Innovative pilot project aims to improve early detection and access to cervical screening
The NHS has launched a new mobile cervical screening service in Birmingham, designed to make life-saving checks more accessible for women and people with a cervix. Heather Baker, a local general practice nurse involved in the project, explains that the van complements existing GP services by bringing preventative care directly into neighbourhoods.
“We’re trying something a little bit different, a bit more innovative really to provide preventative care where we're trying to find changes to the cells that a lady may have to her cervix so that we can actually identify that early and prevent obviously a cancer occurring,” said Baker.
The mobile unit, staffed entirely by female healthcare workers, offers a private, comfortable space where patients can have a quick cervical screening test, commonly known as a smear test. The test checks for the presence of the human papilloma virus (HPV), which can cause cell changes leading to cervical cancer if left undetected.
Baker described the experience as “a quick test, it shouldn’t really hurt, but it can feel a little bit uncomfortable,” adding that music can be played during the screening to help patients relax.
The service targets women aged 25 to 64 and aims to break down barriers related to language and culture. “We have a leaflet in lots of different languages... We're trying to obviously offer it to all cultures,” Baker said, highlighting the importance of making the service inclusive.
Since launching in December 2025, the mobile screening unit has already seen around 60 women and continues to move between community locations such as supermarkets, health centres, and places of worship.
Baker stressed the importance of early detection. “Cervical cancer is quite silent. It’s caused very much by the HPV virus... if we can detect that early, then we can avoid a lot of problems and ill health issues for our ladies.”
She also emphasised the value of bringing services to the community: “A lot of ladies say the fact that I can just come up and have that test done now today or in a few minutes is a game changer really.”
The pilot is funded by the West Midlands Cancer Alliance and delivered in partnership with local community organisations, aiming to reduce inequalities in access to cancer prevention.
Women who use the service receive their results via the NHS app or by post if the app is not accessed, with further support available through their GP.
This mobile cervical screening initiative is part of a broader effort to improve women’s health in Birmingham, focusing on early intervention and making healthcare more accessible to all.