Changes to this edition of the gynaecological cytopathology EQA scheme
Updated 11 October 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-gynaecological-cytopathology-external-quality-assessment/changes-to-this-edition-of-the-gynaecological-cytopathology-eqa-scheme
The EQA management board approved the following changes to this 11th edition of the NHS cervical screening programme (NHS CSP) gynaecological cytopathology EQA scheme.
Chapter 1 The EQA scheme
Section 1.3 EQA scheme enquiries – updated contact information
Chapter 2 Scheme roles and responsibilities
Heading changed to reflect content of this chapter
Chapter 3 Governance
Section 3.3 EQA Management Board
Updated the EQA management board’s escalation route for major concerns about the scheme (see last bullet)
Section 3.4 National oversight
Updated the scheme’s accountability arrangements within NHS England
Chapter 4 Laboratory participation
Section 4.7 Confidentiality
Clarified the circumstances in which confidentiality (relating to a participant’s identity) may be broken by the scheme.
Chapter 8 The assessment
Section 8.1 Recording and submitting responses
Clarified the arrangements for participants who record and submit their responses using the manual form.
Clarified the sanctions for participants who do not follow the protocol when submitting responses using EQA Online.
Chapter 11 Assessment of performance
Section 11.5 Action points for persistent substandard performance
This update provides a detailed description of the steps taken by the scheme in relation to the first and second action points associated with instances of substandard performance in EQA assessments.
Chapter 12 Communication
Section 12.8 Annual report – updated the distribution list of recipients who receive the annual report