What discussions has the Minister had with relevant parties to ensure that cervical screening services are trans-inclusive and promoted effectively?
Cervical screening in Wales is offered to anyone who has a cervix and is in the eligible age cohort (25 to 64) for screening. It does not matter what gender individuals identify as, only that they have a cervix and are within the specified age range.
My officials have regular meetings with Public Health Wales which is introducing a new cervical screening IT system in early 2022. The new system will be able to invite those not registered as female on their GP record. GP practices will initially need to make individuals known to the screening programme but individuals will then be automatically invited for screening. A communication will be sent to every GP practice in Wales to outline the changes to the system. Public Health Wales will be providing targeted information to inform transgender men with a cervix that they need to attend for cervical screening and to contact their GP or the screening programme to ensure they are included.