SA Cervix Screening Program

Women with disabilities need Pap smears too!

What is a Pap Smear? 

A Pap smear is a simple test to check the health of your cervix (opening of the uterus/womb). Sometimes changes occur in the cells of the cervix and abnormal cells develop. Treatment of these changes can prevent cervix cancer. Regular Pap smears are necessary even if a woman hasn’t had sex for many years. 

How is a Pap Smear done? 

While the woman is lying on her back or side the doctor inserts a special instrument called a speculum into the vagina so the cervix can be easily seen. A small sample of cells are taken from the cervix with a spatula and sent to the laboratory to be tested. The results will take 1-2 weeks. The Pap smear is not perfect but it is the best test available to detect early changes in the cells of the cervix. 

Did you know. . . . all women from the time they first have sex should have a Pap smear every 2 years until they are 70?

When making an appointment for a Pap smear let the receptionist know exactly what you want, such as: 

• “Please arrange a sign language interpreter” 

• “I need an adjustable examination table and leg rests”

• “I need 2 people to help lift me”

• “I need to bring a sighted guide to the appointment” 

• “Can I have a longer appointment?”

If you have a physical disability you may have special needs

Sometimes your doctor is unable to perform a smear because your disability may require a special bed or lifting assistance. Your doctor can advise you where to have this done. You may need:

• adjustable bed

• wheelchair access

• assistance to transfer from chair to bed

At the appointment

If you have a physical disability explain to the doctor and assistants how they can help with your equipment, for example . . .

• wheelchair

• adaptive devices

• supportive undergarments

• urinary equipment

• explain how you like to be lifted

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If you are vision impaired:

• explain to the doctor and assistants how they can help orientate you to the physical environment.

If you are hearing impaired:

• ask that the procedure be explained as it is happening

• ask if the head of the bed can be raised so that you can observe what is happening during the procedure

During the procedure:

• if there is any discomfort tell your doctor immediately 

Ask questions when you don’t understand

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Adjustable beds - Where are they? 

The following locations all have adjustable beds which allow for independent transfer and may suit your needs 

SHine SA - 17 Phillips St Kensington Tel (08) 8364-5033

SHine SA - 43 Peachy Road Daveron Park Tel (08) 8252-7955

SHine SA - 51 Bower St Woodville Tel (08) 8300-5300

Flinders Medical Centre, Women’s Health Clinic Tel (08) 8325-8164

• female doctors and nurse practitioners

• waiting time for an appointment is 2-4 weeks

• referral not necessary

• advise of special needs such as wheelchair access, and if lifting assistance is required

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 28 Woodville Road, Woodville
Women’s Health Centre, Maternity Outpatients Department
Tel (08) 8222-7040

• waiting time for an appointment is 2- weeks

• referral not necessary for Pap smear, breast exam and family planning issues only

Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide
Women’s Outpatients
Tel (08) 8161-7592

• referral necessary

• waiting time 6 weeks

• please advise if any lifting assistance is required

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Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park
Women’s Health Clinic
Tel (08) 8204-5197

• waiting time for an appointment is 4 – 6 weeks

• referral necessary

• advise of disability to ensure adjustable bed

Modbury Public Hospital, Smart Road, Modbury
Women’s Health Clinic
Tel (08) 8161-2593

• referral necessary

• waiting time for an appointment is 1-2 weeks

• please advise if any lifting assistance is required

The Lyell McEwin Health Service, Haydown Road, Elizabeth
Women’s and Children’s Clinic
Tel (08) 8282-1611

• referral necessary

• waiting time for an appointment is 8-12 weeks

• advise of disability to ensure adjustable bed.

For further information or advice contact:

• The Sexual Health Hotline
  9am - 1pm Monday - Friday
  Tel (08) 8364-0444 or 1800 188 171 (toll free for country callers) or TTY (08) 8431-5177 or TTY 1800 188 171 (toll free for country callers) 

• Women’s Healthline
  Women’s Health Statewide
  1pm - 4.30pm Monday - Friday
  Tel. and TTY (08) 8239-9600 Healthline 1300 882 880 (for the cost of a local call)

• SA Cervix Screening Program
  (contact details below) Information pamphlets are available in audio, large print, braille and in many languages.

Produced jointly by the SA Cervix Screening Program & SHine SA ~ Information revised May 2006 ~ Return to top