CervicalCheck, Ireland’s national cervical screening programme, Orla began her nursing career in 1997 when, she explains, “there was little awareness of cervical cancer and no national screening programme. The introduction of CervicalCheck, an evidence-based, high quality programme, in 2008, was an uplifting moment.”

Orla outlines how she was inspired by her father, Dr Michael (Mickey) Loftus, to “take up a role caring for women in my community.” She completed a Master’s Degree in Women’s Health from the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland in 2005, “learning more about HPV and cervical screening along the way.

“Being on the front line, face-to-face with women, is a special and important place to be. General practice is the ideal place to provide most cervical screening. It means women can access screening locally with someone they know. Being a sample taker is an opportunity for me to put the core values of nursing – compassion, care, and commitment - into practice.

“I understand my patients and take a holistic approach in providing care. Some of the patients I vaccinated when they were babies are now coming to me for cervical screening. It’s a privilege and opportunity as part of an ongoing therapeutic relationship to be able to offer our patients cervical screening.”

Orla continues:  “I try to make the screening process as normal as possible for the women. That first screening consultation is particularly important and can lead on to so much more. It’s so important to give that extra time to demystify the process - answer questions, clear up misconceptions, taking the process at the woman's pace. If needed, I’ll show the instruments we use and tell a woman that I can stop the sample taking at any time if she wants to, especially if she finds it daunting.

“My focus is on empowering the woman and building a trusting relationship. If the experience of screening is positive, then women are more likely to engage over their lifetime. From a general practice point of view, we have everything we need which makes it easier for me to do my job. Education and learning are also accessible, so I have access to ongoing professional development. And all of this simply means that I am in better position to support the women.”

In relation to the ambition for Ireland to eliminate cervical cancer, Orla notes how “it’s exciting to be part of that national action plan. Seeing the impact of the HPV vaccination programme in Ireland has been wonderful - both my daughters have been fortunate to benefit from it. My message to women is simple - if you’re due your cervical screening, make that appointment. We’ve come so far with screening compared to when I started working as a general practice nurse in 1997. Come and talk to us, even if you’re not ready to come for screening. The opportunity is there to talk to your nurse or doctor, and we’re happy to support you and answer all your questions.”

Learn more about Ireland’s action plan to eliminate cervical cancer