WOMEN in the region are being unfairly denied access to the latest cervical smear testing technology, according to a national charity.

According to Marie Stopes International, only 55.1 per cent of hospital smear test centres have switched to new, more accurate liquid-based cytology technology, which makes it easier to pick up early signs of cervical cancer.

In the health region which covers North Yorkshire, the percentage of hospital smear test centres to have switched to the new method is even lower - 46.9 per cent.

This compares unfavourably with Scotland, Wales and the East Midlands, which have a 100 per cent conversion rate, and London, which has a 73.6 per cent rate.

Pilot studies have shown that smear tests using liquid-based cytology provides clearer samples that are easier to interpret by technicians.

They also reduce the number of inadequate samples that require repeat screenings by up to 80 per cent.

Despite a recommendation by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice), in 2003, that liquid-based cytology should be adopted across the NHS within five years, so far only two out of the 11 strategic health authorities in England and Wales have completed the conversion at all their test centres.

Dr Kate Worsley, spokeswoman for Marie Stopes, said: "Yet again, the women of this country are facing the NHS postcode lottery syndrome.

"It depends entirely on where you live as to whether or not you benefit from the advantages that liquid-based cytology can offer.

"In the North-East, coverage varies from town to town and city to city. The system is in use in Durham, for example, but not in Darlington, Middlesbrough or Sunderland.

"The irony is that delaying implementation is really a false economy. As the Nice report clearly showed, in the longer term, liquid-based cytology is cost-effective, producing a win-win situation for NHS budget holders and women who are part of the national cervical screening programme."

To highlight the inequalities of access around the country and call for rapid conversion to modern technology, Marie Stopes has launched what it calls a Smear Campaign.

Women wanting to find out more about the Smear Campaign can download materials to help them take up the matter with their MP or health authority, at www.mariestopes. org.uk or by ringing 0207-574-7358 for an information pack