Two nurse colposcopists have been appointed to the department following an intensive 2 year training programme in our colposcopy department. Of the 14 clinics held in the department, 8 are undertaken by the nurse colposcopists. As a result of their extensive training, the nurse colposcopists are able to undertake the full range of treatments available in the clinic setting as well as perform diagnostic colposcopy. Patients are advised in both the information leaflet and the post-treatment leaflet to contact them should they have any queries concerning their treatment.

Training in colposcopy
The training requirements to become a colposcopist are the same for both doctors and nurses. This training has been laid out by the British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology(BSCCP), in conjunction with the Royal College of Obstreticians and Gynaecologists. This involves:

• Undertaking 100 colposcopic examinations under the supervision of an accredited colposcopist, recognised by the British Society for Cervical Cytology and Pathology BSCCP. A log book of all cases seen and treatments performed are recorded and submitted to the BSCCP.
  
• Working unsupervised for a further 50 cases, of these 30 must be new patients, and these cases are discussed with the trainers.
  
• Training in cytology so that an understanding of how specimens are prepared and stained is gained.
  
• Training in histpathology to increase knowledge of cervical abnormalities.
  
• Undertaking 10 case studies which are submitted to the national training body, through the BSCCP for approval.

Much research has been done over the last few years into patient's satisfaction of nurse colposcopists. This has proved very favourable. Nurses in colposcopy offer the same service as the doctor, carrying out the examination, diagnosis, treatment and follow up of the patients in their care. Women often prefer to be examined by a woman, and to be seen by the same person every time they attend.