This post is part of a short series sharing key stories from our Annual Report 2024–2025.

During the last financial year, WBOP PHO has strengthened the Support to Screening Services across the Bay of Plenty, helping more eligible people access free breast and cervical screening. The service works with local and national partners (breast screening) to make screening easier, more comfortable and closer to home, supporting people to stay up to date with life-saving checks.

A highlight during the 2024-2025 period was the expansion of cervical screening clinics, led by Support to Screening Nurse Gemma Pearson and Health Promotion Coordinator Tiana Bennett. New partnerships were formed with trusted community providers, including Huria Trust, Rangiora Hub, Waiariki Whānau Mentoring and Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa. Nine free drop-in clinics (view criteria here) now run regularly across the Western and Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Cervical screening webpage

These clinics offer self-testing options in safe, welcoming spaces, removing barriers such as cost, time and hesitation. WBOP PHO also strengthened the ways whānau can connect with support services and completed planning for a new screening webpage, launched shortly after the end of the financial year. Alongside ongoing health promotion, these efforts show our commitment to equity and to making breast and cervical screening easier to access for everyone in our communities.

Whānau voice

 “You truly are the heroes in our community. You made me feel seen and heard, and I was able to have both my screening appointments in one place. Times are tough, but your service made it possible for me to get there and I feel empowered because of it.”

 “Ruthie (service coordinator) is such a breath of fresh air over the phone. She reminds me of that aunty at the marae. Loving, caring, but not afraid to be a little bossy when you need it. She gave me the push I needed to get to my screening appointment, reminding me that I’m a taonga worth looking after.”

The team making it happen