About our service

Women are usually referred with abnormal cervical cytology. Other indications for referral include abnormal bleeding and an abnormal looking cervix.

The NHS cervical screening program has reduced the risk of women developing cervical cancer significantly. It is known that women who develop cervical cancer will have had a cervical abnormality for many years. The cervical screening program detects these abnormal cells and allows further investigation and treatment to prevent progression.

For further information please visit the following websites:

The British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Cytology

NHS Cervical Screening Program

Opening times

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

By appointment only.

Making an appointment

Which patients do I refer for colposcopy?

Patients who have had abnormal cervical cytology:

• urgently via cancer referral office for any smear suggestive of invasion
• after one smear showing mild, moderate or severe dyskaryosis
• after one smear showing any kind of glandular changes
• after three smears showing borderline squamous changes.

Patients for any clinical indication you feel should be referred to colposcopy, such as:

• unusual looking cervix
• bleeding after intercourse
• suspicious symptoms.

How do I refer to the colposcopy unit?

• a colposcopy referral proforma, attached below or available from the colposcopy office, or typed letter should sent to the colposcopy unit
• you are able to book via Choose and Book.

How long does it take for a patient to receive an appointment for colposcopy?

Patients would normally receive details of their appointment three to five days after we receive the referral letter.

When is my patient likely to get an appointment for?

Once we have received the colposcopy referral, it is vetted by a doctor who will decide on the urgency.

Waiting times

There are currently no waiting times for a colposcopy appointment; but all appointments are booked dependent on the urgency of the appointment.

• suspect invasion, cancer suspected - seen within two weeks
• clinically suspicious cervix - seen within two weeks
• severe and moderate dyskaryosis (inc adeno) - seen within four weeks
• mild or borderline - seen within eight weeks
• non-urgent clinical indication - seen within eight weeks  

If you have any queries about referring to the colposcopy unit please contact the nurses office on 020 8510 5039.

How to contact us

appointments   020 8510 7609

secretary  020 8510 5726

colposcopy nurses 020 8510 5039

fax: 020 8510 5723

email: tracey.kemp@homerton.nhs.uk

Key staff

Dr Katrina Erskine
Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist with a special interest in high risk pregnancy and maternal medicine.  She also has a special interest in colposcopy, vulval disease, and the management of massive fibroids.

tel: 020 8510 7353 (secretary)
email: katrina.erskine@homerton.nhs.uk

Miss Lindy Stacey
Consultant in community, gynaecology

Mrs May Erskine (Lead)
Consultant in community, gynaecology

Dr Yvonne Plummer
Associate specialist in gynaecology

Dr Mayura Nathan
Consultant physician in genitourinary medicine and HIV, with a special interest in treatment and prevention of anal neoplasia.

tel no: 020 8510 7438
fax no: 020 8510 7978
email: mayura.nathan@homerton.nhs.uk

Dr Saleh El-Gadi
Consultant in HIV and sexual health with a special interest in HIV prevention.

tel: 020 8510 7438 (secretary)
email: saleh.el-gadi@homerton.nhs.uk

Dr Rehana Yasmin
Clinical research fellow in colposcopy

Usha Ratnasingam  
Sister, colposcopy

Denise Brown
Nurse, colposcopy