THOUSANDS of women are having to wait longer than the national target across the Bradford district for smear test results, figures have revealed.

The numbers, from a Freedom of Information request, showed around half of women across the district had to wait longer than the mandatory 14 days for their cervical screening results from August 2017 to July 2018.

Providers are supposed to send letters to at least 98 per cent of women within 14 days. However, in Bradford Districts Clinical Commissioning Group area, only 49 per cent of women received their letter within two weeks.

In Airedale, Wharfedale & Craven CCG area, the number was 50 per cent, and in Bradford City CCG the figure was 54 per cent, which was actually above the national average.

Only 16 of England’s 195 CCGs actually met the threshold for providing results on time.

The figures have been described as “concerning” by a leading cancer charity.

Robert Music, chief executive of cervical cancer charity Jo’s Trust, said: “Lots of people have approached us through our helpline saying they are waiting 12, 14, 16 weeks for their results.

“It is creating anxiety which is not a healthy thing, and our concern is that it could put women off attending their appointments.

“With screening attendance already at a 20-year low, that is worrying.

“Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is preventable.

“Cervical screenings prevent 75% of cervical cancers and save more than 5,000 lives every year, so please go to your test if you’re due one.”

Tests are analysed at one of dozens of central laboratories by NHS England, before it then sends out letters to patients in the region.

A spokesperson for NHS England in Yorkshire and the Humber said: “NHS England acknowledges that women are currently experiencing delays in receiving their cervical screening results.

“We understand the impact such delays will be having on women attending for cervical screening and we are working closely with partners to improve turnaround times for women locally.”

An NHS England spokesperson added: “NHS England and Public Health England are committed to the introduction of primary HPV screening, which will identify more women at risk and save more lives.

“Enabling laboratories to convert to HPV primary screening ahead of the procurement process is just one practical step being taken to ensure the NHS achieves full coverage of primary HPV screening by December 2019.”

A spokesperson for Public Health England added: “PHE is supporting and advising NHS England in its efforts to ensure women receive their screening results within 14 days.”