Screening for cervical cancer: review of administrative arrangements

In 1980 a working party was established in Cambridge Health District to review the administrative arrangements for cervical cytology recall using the National Health Service Central Register at Southport. As a result of a number of surveys and ad hoc enquiries it was decided not to continue with the central recall scheme (which was subsequently withdrawn) and not to replace it with any formal centralized local scheme. The decision was based on the apparent failure of the central scheme, the effectiveness of informal systems already in operation locally, and the need to place cervical cancer amongst competing priorities for prevention.