Renewal of the National Cervical Screening Program
Partner Reference Group E-newsletter – September 2015
Dear Partner
Since our last Newsletter in May 2015 regarding the 2015-16 Budget announcement,the Steering Committee for the Renewal Implementation Project (SCRIP)has met regularly. SCRIP is providing advice on Renewal implementation activities as well as transition issues.
Some implementation activities being progressed include:
Clinical Management Guidelines
In late June 2015, the Cancer Council Australia were engaged to develop Clinical Management Guidelines for the renewed National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP). As part of the development of the guidelines, an expert working group chaired by Professor Ian Hammondhas been established to inform key clinical questions to be addressed, develop recommendations and oversee the production of the guidelines. This project is due to be completed in June 2016.
National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC) Standards
A technical drafting committee chaired by Associate Professor Paul McKenzie, has been established to draft the NPAAC performance measures and standards for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and cytology. The Cervical Drafting Committee held its first meeting in June 2015.
Pathology Workforce
To assist with the major changes to the pathology workforce as a result of the Renewal, the Australian Government has contracted the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia in consultation with Australian Society of Cytology, National Coalition of Public Pathology and Pathology Australia, to undertake the following activities:
- Development and delivery of a training module for cytologists/cytopathologists on reading of liquid based cytology specimens;
- Support the continued availability of cytology training, which will sustain the cytology workforce into the future;
- Facilitating retraining of cytologist/cytopathologists; and
- Communication activities to advise the pathology workforce of the changes to the NCSP.
Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) Items
Further consultations on the MBS item descriptors and fees will be undertaken with the pathology sector in 2015.
Communications and Information
Communications Strategy
A communications strategy is currently being drafted in consultation with states and territories cervical screening programs for the transition of the renewedNCSP. The strategy will target women, health professionals and service providers and other relevant stakeholders.
NPS Medicine Wise RADAR Publication
NPS MedicineWise is developing a special edition on the Medical Services Advisory Committee recommendations for the Renewal of NCSP in their publication, RADAR. This special edition will be distributed in October 2015.
Online Training for Health Professionals
The Department will soon be approaching relevant Colleges and providers to develop online training and resources for health professionals.
National Cancer Screening Register
The Australian Government released a request for tender (RFT) for the National Cancer Screening Register on 10 August 2015. The RFT will close on 8October 2015 and the Tender Evaluation Process will begin immediately. The National Cancer Screening Register will service both the national bowel and cervical screening programmes.
Legislation
Work has commenced on the legislative requirements for the implementation of the new National Cancer Screening Register, including a privacy impact statement.
More information
Further information on the Renewal can be found at cancerscreening.gov.au and you are welcome to contact us at if you have any queries.
The newslettersaim is to update our Partners regarding the progress of the Renewal. If you do not wish to receive the E-newsletter, please let us know and we will remove you from our mailing list. You are welcome to share this information with your colleagues.
Kind regards
Cervical Renewal Secretariat