Cytology Sample Taker Training Wessex

NHS England South (Wessex) invited experienced providers of cervical sample taker training to deliver Cervical Screening Training in Wessex.

The service is commissioned using the Any Qualified Provider (AQP) process. The qualification period for the AQP accreditation will be for 3 years from the1st January 2015. NHS England South (Wessex) may open up additional qualification rounds during the accreditation period. Should there be any geographical areas within the area where further choice of provider is required; NHS England reserves the right to limit the next accreditation round to specific geographical areas only.

The AQP service will offer choice and easy access to high quality professional training, which will comply with national guidance and local standards. Please note that under ‘Any Qualified Provider’ contracts there will be no guarantees of volume in the contracts awarded. Further, prices (e.g. hourly rates) are set.

The aim of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme is to reduce the number of women who develop invasive cervical cancer and the number of women who die from it by offering regular screening to all women at risk. Ensuring that clinicians who take cervical cytology samples are properly trained is key to successful delivery of the programme. NHS England South (Wessex) therefore wishes to commission timely and accessible, high quality cytology screening training, which will include: • full basic training and assessment of sample takers • 3 yearly update training

Update training should include both face to face, e-learning and cascade training options.

Awareness training for administrative staff involved in delivering the programme will also be provided.

The training will be available to all sample takers and supporting administrative teams working within the Wessex area and on the Wessex Sample Taker Register in accordance with an agreed training model. Typically sample takers work in general practice but may also work in community sexual health services and other healthcare settings.

Suitable training providers will: • offer accredited training that meets the minimum training course content requirements • provide trainers and assessors who meet the criteria set out in the Wessex training model • obtain accreditation • have robust governance arrangements in place

Whilst NHS England is commissioning training provision, it is the responsibility of each employer to fund training for its staff. The Contract will therefore be a zero value contract: training providers will charge the training recipient directly for all training provided.