The NHS cervical screening program has reduced the risk of women developing cervical cancer significantly. It is known that women who have cervical cancer will have had abnormal cells on the cervix for many years before the cancer develops. The cervical screening program detects these abnormal cells and allows further investigation and treatment.

Most women who have an abnormal smear will not develop cervical cancer, and the colposcopic examination helps to identify the women who are at high risk and arrange for them to be treated before the abnormality becomes serious.

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

The doctor or nurse who did your smear will be able to refer you to our unit. You will not be able to refer yourself. Appointments are available via Choose and Book.

Why have I been referred for colposcopy?
You have been referred for a colposcopy because you have recently attended your GP or clinic and you either have an abnormal smear or there’s another reason for further investigation.

How long would I have to wait to receive an appointment for colposcopy?
Once we have received the colposcopy referral from your GP or clinic, you should receive details of your appointment within three to five days.

Will I get an appointment ASAP?
Your referral details are seen by a doctor who will then decide how soon you need an appointment, depending on the degree of abnormality and other factors in your medical history.

For urgent cases you will be seen within two weeks; routine cases within five weeks.

If you have any queries about being referred 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

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.

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

Mr Eric Nyarko
Consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist with a special interest in early pregnancy and gynaecology scanning, laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.

Usha Ratnasingam 
Sister, colposcopy

Laly Thomas
Colposcopy nurse