Unite fears over closure of smear test lab

A Merseyside lab that analyses smear tests is facing closure.

The Cervical Cytology Service at Southport hospital is facing the axe and the majority of work will be transferred to the Royal Liverpool.

Local health trusts say the move will make no difference to how and where women are tested, but it will mean they will get results back quicker.

But Unite has criticised the step, saying GPs and patients rely on the local service.

It has not yet been decided whether there will be any job losses or how many staff will take transfers.

Unite regional officer, Debbie Brannan, said: “The gynaecologists at Southport and Ormskirk are concerned that the service is becoming fragmented. The union is demanding that the Trust delays the closure and transfer of work.”