Modelling the implications for hospital services of cervical cytology screening: a case history.

A screening programme is being introduced throughout the UK to reduce deaths from cancer of the cervix by early detection of precancerous lesions. A stochastic mathematical model has been developed in order to estimate the resource implications of this programme for hospital services in NW region. The model was developed over a period of 1 year, undergoing many changes in the process. The model has suggested operational policies for smear management and demonstrated the importance of wide coverage of the population.