NHS England is stepping up preparations for switchover to the new NHS Cervical Screening Management System (CSMS). We are now in the final stages of testing CSMS, and we will provide an update on when the system is expected to go live once this testing is completed.
A letter to the system was issued on 18 September 2023, which outlines the actions which need to be taken before CSMS goes live.
With the new system, accuracy and security of patient information will be improved, making sure every person eligible for a screening appointment continues to be invited on time and followed up if required. CSMS will be much easier to navigate, freeing up more time for frontline staff.
As Open Exeter will no longer be accessible for NHS Cervical Screening Programme purposes after the transition to the new NHS CSMS it is vital that local IT teams, Registration Authorities and system users take action now to enable a seamless switchover to the new system.
These actions are listed below.
IT managers and support staff to:
- ensure that the CSMS URL is accessible
- ensure users have devices which support NHS smartcard authentication by making sure each machine has an up-to-date version of NHS Identity Agent and Credential Management installed and a supported browser
- check all devices have NHS smartcard readers
- create a desktop shortcut for users to easily access the system
Local registration authorities and RA Agents to:
- ensure that users’ smartcards have appropriate RBAC roles assigned to a specific CSMS workgroup - to maintain access controls, it is essential that only those staff requiring access to the new system have access permissions
- process in a timely manner new NHS smartcard requests for cervical screening staff who do not currently have one
- ensure cervical screening users have up to date email addresses registered against their ID stored in CIS
System users, including GP practice staff to:
- liaise with your IT team to ensure the above steps are taken to prepare your devices for the switchover
The current Open Exeter system will continue to support the NHS Cervical Screening Programme until the point of transition to the new NHS CSMS. Managers and users do not need to change current working practices until further notice where specific details will be provided.