Who does what in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme?

The programme hub:

• Provides the call and recall service which issues invitations

• Assembles and dispatches test kits

• Runs a laboratory to process test kits

• Provides a freephone telephone helpline for the public

• Dispatches test results

• Books appointments at screening nurse clinics for those with abnormal test results

• Facilitates polyp surveillance for screening patients

The screening centre:

• Runs screening nurse clinics, colonoscopy clinics and books and runs follow-up clinics

• Provides alternative investigations where colonoscopy is not appropriate

• Provides pathology (histology) services

• Refers those requiring treatment for cancer to their local hospital multi-disciplinary team (MDT)