New Bendigo Health colposcope helps in hunt for rogue cells

BENDIGO Health has a new colposcope and gynaecological table.The launch of the equipment coincides with Women’s Health Week this week. It is set to benefit 60 patients each year.Maternity services senior manager Jodie Ashworth said the colposcope provided clinicians with greater image quality.It was an invaluable reference tool, and the gynaecological table featured the latest technology.“A colposcopy is an examination of the cervix after abnormal cells have been found via pap smear,” she said.“A clinician will look at the cervix using a colposcope to see if the abnormal cells might develop into cancer.“The colposcope is also a useful education tool.”Bendigo Health midwives Judi Perry and Loraine Stubbings have completed their credentials as pap smear and sexual and reproductive health nurses.Both women had scholarships and received high distinctions.Ms Ashworth said the nurses could now offer advice on positive pap smears and contraception in consultation with doctors.“With two trained nurses performing pap smears and follow-up appointments, it is expected that this will improve accessibility for clients to the clinic.”