Guidance for system users
Information for staff about how to access and use the new Cervical Screening Management System.
The NHS Cervical Screening Management System (CSMS) is now live and accessed via an NHS Smartcard or via Microsoft Authenticator. It has replaced the previous call/recall IT system, Open Exeter, which is no longer accessible for the purposes of delivering NHS Cervical Screening Programme services.
All providers are now asked to update any internal operating procedures and documentation that supports delivery of cervical screening services, to reflect access to and how CSMS should be used.
Where CSMS access is required via NHS Smartcard, users should liaise with their IT team and local Registration Authority to ensure all devices and Smartcards are prepared for the new system.
For any technical support with using or accessing CSMS, please visit the CSMS help page.
IT and access pre-requisites (for NHS Smartcard users)
Where needed, managers should contact their local IT department to ensure all CSMS IT pre-requisites are in place for users.
All users will need the following in place to access the new CSMS:
- HSCN connection
- NHS Smartcard and Smartcard reader
- Latest NHS Identity Agent and Credential Management software (for smartcard authentication)
- Compatible Internet browser
- Ability to access to the new CSMS URL
We also recommend that all IT departments create a desktop shortcut so that users can easily access the system.
If you’re not sure if you have the appropriate software for smartcard authentication and a compatible internet browser installed you can check that devices are set up correctly.
Smartcards and CSMS access permissions
To access the CSMS, all staff working in the cervical screening service will need to ensure that they have a NHS Smartcard in place and that the correct Role Based Access Control (RBAC) permissions and cervical screening workgroup have been added before go live.
If you do not currently have an NHS smartcard, you will need to apply for one at the Apply for Care ID service for new user registration.
You will need to contact your Registration Authority to ensure users have the necessary RBAC roles and workgroups assigned to their smartcards.
All users of the Cervical Screening Management System need to ensure that their smartcard user profile has been updated with an email address. If you have forgotten your smartcard pin, you can unlock and reset yourself using the self-service smartcard unlock tool. Smartcard users need to have a valid email address on their care identity profile. Online guidance is available to check or add an email address to your profile.
Alternatively, CSMS can now be accessed via Microsoft Authenticator.
Locums and staff who work for multiple organisations will need the correct role added to their NHS Smartcard for each organisation they work at. Staff will be prompted to select the correct role and organisation when they log on with their smartcard.
CSMS access check
Training
Training on how to use the new NHS Cervical Screening Management System (CSMS) is available on the NHS Learning Hub.
Training is delivered in 2 parts and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. It does not need to be completed in one go.
Users will be asked to confirm they have completed the training as part of user readiness.
Specific guidance for GPs and general practice staff
If you are involved in the call and recall process, previously known as the Prior Notification List or PNL, the new system will change the way this list is received by the GP surgery and will also change how you will need to action it to ensure participants are called efficiently and safely.
For sample takers, trainers and mentors who are working across multiple GP practices, for example Primary Care Networks, GP Federations, GP Alliances and Extended Access Hubs, the Information Governance framework allows users to log into the NHS Cervical Screening Management System using any one of the relevant ODS codes and to access the patient details for any patient associated within the group of GP practices, assuming that they have a legitimate relationship with that patient.
Users do not need to have an ODS code on their Smartcard for every GP practice within the group.
Privacy notice
The introduction of the new NHS Cervical Screening Management System (CSMS) will result in changes to the way that information for cervical screening participants is managed.
Read the NHS England Privacy Notice.
Contact us
For any questions on the new CSMS please contact the new CSMS implementation team at [email protected].
This is a mailbox to help organisations get ready to be able to access the new NHS Cervical Screening Management System.
For any technical support and feedback with using or accessing CSMS please visit the NHS Cervical Screening Administration Service CSMS help page.
We are unable to accept any emails which contain patient identifiable data (PID). Any emails received with PID will be deleted.
Last edited: 27 January 2025 9:52 am