Health council investigates after cervical smear review referrals

The letter said her last smear test, which had been reported as negative, on review now reported “low grade cell changes”.

It went on to state that most low grade changes return to normal over time but a “small proportion” can progress.

Stella said the fact it had been five years since her last smear test “really alarmed” her and she now felt “cheated”.

“I feel cheated because I was given a result five years ago that I trusted,” she said.

The SHT letter encouraged Stella to attend for another smear test, which was booked for 13 July, but then cancelled.

The trust said this was “due to reduced staffing levels” over the 12 July bank holiday period.

Stella was not happy when she was offered a rescheduled appointment for the middle of August, as it was “too far away”.

She got an appointment on 6 July and now must wait up to six weeks for the result.