Cervical screening bus brings easy, local drop-ins to Wirral
A mobile cervical screening bus is returning to Wirral, making it quick and easy to get screened with no appointment needed. The Living Well Bus offers a drop‑in service, allowing people to pop in at a time that suits them and get their screening done in just a few minutes.
The service is open to people with a cervix aged 25 to 64, including anyone who may be overdue, late, or unsure when their last screening was. By bringing screening into community locations, the bus helps individuals fit this important health check around work, shopping, or everyday life.
The Living Well service, provided by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, runs the bus and says one of the biggest benefits is how simple it makes cervical screening. People can drop in while already out and about, without needing to plan ahead or book time off.
Heledd Watkins, Clinical Lead for the service, explains that the bus helps people keep on top of their health in a way that feels convenient and manageable. She says the team often meets people who had been meaning to book their screening but hadn't got around to it.
We see people who haven’t had a screening in 20 years, we see first timers. By popping up in public spaces, anyone can turn up and we can do it there and then. We’ve seen teachers run out to us on their lunch breaks!
The bus includes two private rooms that look and feel like a clinic, but with the added benefit of being easy to access.
Once we’re in that room you wouldn’t know you were on a bus in the middle of a busy town centre – it’s a discreet and confidential service and it’s bringing the service to people rather than needing them to get to the service.
You may know cervical screening as a smear test. The screening is quick, taking around five minutes. Cervical screening checks for HPV (human papillomavirus), which can sometimes lead to cervical cancer. When HPV is found early, treatment can stop changes before they become serious.
It is thankfully rare, but we have had success of ladies coming to us and finding via the test that they have had HPV or even required further treatment to prevent cancer developing – they’ve then gone on to get the treatment they needed. Without coming to the bus, they may still be in the dark about their cervical health.
The team meets lots of people who have questions or worries, and they take time to explain the process and help people feel comfortable.
I may ask them what are you worried about? Have you had a bad experience, is it your first time? Let me show you our clinic room, my equipment. I explain that it takes a couple of minutes and it can potentially save your life. We’re here now, put your trust in me.
Many people tell the team that the bus made the experience much easier than they expected, and some even bring a friend after having such a positive visit.
We’ve had people who’ve seen us bring their friend to get checked because their own experience was so positive.
Even for people who feel unsure or nervous, the team takes a gentle and supportive approach.
Heledd said:
We know that some people will be nervous coming to us. I reassure them that we can stop at any time – we go at each person’s pace and remind them it’s their choice.
We have a chat, we try to get them laughing and relaxing. And when we get the screening done and sent off to the labs, we’re proud of them turning up to take control of their own health.
If someone doesn’t know when their last screening was, the team can check instantly.
We can check right there and then via the NHS system whether someone is overdue for their screening.
We love meeting people and hearing their stories - I feel special and privileged to be sharing this service with people, treating them with the dignity they deserve.
Where to find the screening bus
- Saturday 7 February, 2026 – St Werburgh’s Square, Birkenhead — 10am to 4:30pm
- 27 February, 2026 – ASDA, Liscard, CH45 4NZ, Wallasey — 10am to 4:30pm
- Tuesday 17 March, 2026 – Leasowe Medical Practice, Wallasey — 10am to 4:30pm
Can’t make these dates?
If you can’t come on these days, you can book your cervical screening at your GP surgery with the practice nurse.
More information about cervical screening can be found here: NHS England — North West » Cervical Screening Programme
