Screening programmes at COVID-19 alert level 3 and 4

What you need to know about screening at different alert levels.

Antenatal and newborn screening programmes are considered high priority and will continue to operate across all COVID-19 alert levels, but with some changes as appropriate to ensure that health staff, women and babies are kept safe.

If you are in an area at Alert level 4:

• Routine screening is paused for breast and cervical screening services, except for some required annual cervical screening.
• At present bowel screening will continue. You can still expect to receive your invitation to take part in bowel screening.
• For those who have already been screened, the decision for diagnostic and treatment services will be made by the clinical teams at a local and regional level on a case-by-case basis.

If you are in an area at Alert level 3:

• Screening programmes are operating, with appropriate safeguards in place to keep participants and staff safe. It is recommended that people with pre-existing medical conditions, check with their health professional as to whether it is safe to attend appointments.  
• Bowel screening will continue. You can still expect to receive your invitation to take part in bowel screening.
• Cervical and breast screening will continue for most women. The decision to screen those with existing medical conditions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

The National Screening Unit is advising screening providers to follow Level 3 & 4 processes.
 

Further information on programmes will be updated at the following links:

Breast Screening

Cervical Screening

Bowel Screening

Information regarding Antenatal and Newborn Screening can be found here.