Cervical screening and sexual health challenges to feature at Nursing in Practice London

Improving cervical screening uptake and strengthening sexual health services are among the hot topics set to be discussed at the free-to-attend event Nursing in Practice London this spring.

With the agenda for Nursing in Practice London 2026 now officially launched, nurses can explore a full day of CPD-accredited learning on Thursday 30 April – view the agenda to see what’s on offer and sign up here.

Among the highlights, two key sessions will focus on some of the most pressing priorities in women’s health: cervical screening and sexual health.

Modern approaches to cervical screening

Cervical screening is evolving rapidly, with new approaches aimed at tackling long-standing barriers to access. However, uptake remains a challenge, particularly among underserved groups.

This session, delivered by Helen Hyndman, Lead Nurse at The Eve Appeal charity, will explore how practice nurses can take a more flexible, patient-centred approach, including:

• Understanding what’s changing in the cervical screening programme and how it is being delivered in practice in 2025–26
• Carrying out cervical screening safely, including how to manage difficult samples and maintain effective infection control
• Looking at at-home HPV self-sampling, the latest research, and how to support patients with uptake and follow-up

Sexual health updates

Sexual health services are continuing to evolve to meet rising demand and changing patient needs across the capital, with nurses playing a central role in prevention, early identification and ongoing care.

This session, delivered by Simphiwe Sesane, medical educator and sexual and reproductive health nurse consultant, will provide a practical update on key priorities, including:

• Providing STI screening and contraception advice
• Understanding HIV prevention strategies
• Recognising the signs of common STIs such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis
• Addressing the rise of antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhoea and what nurses can do in practice

Why these sessions matter

Together, these sessions reflect a broader shift in healthcare: towards prevention, accessibility and personalised care.

For nurses working in general practice and community settings, they offer practical insight into how to:

• Reach underserved populations
• Deliver more inclusive care
• Apply the latest innovations in real-world settings

Register today to be part of the conversation and gain practical insights you can apply in your daily practice.