asked the Minister for Health the health centres at which cervical smear screening tests are available throughout each health board area; the waiting period for such a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cervical Smear Tests.
61.
Cervical smear tests are available nationally through health centres, maternity hospitals on an outpatient basis and through general practitioners. The level of demand for this service varies significantly from area to area: in areas where demand is low the service is organised on an ad hoc basis while in areas where demand is high a more structured approach is taken.
The following table lists the health centres which provide specific clinics for cervical smear tests.
The waiting period for delivery of this test in health centres varies. While some health centres provide the test on demand, others operate specific clinics which are organised at different times. In all areas the general practitioner provides the service on demand.
In general while the methods of delivering this service may vary from area to area I am satisfied that a cervical smear test can be obtained in any part of the country on demand.
List of Health Centres where Cervical Smear Testing Clinics are held.
|
Health Board |
Health Centres |
|
Eastern |
Rathcoole |
|
Lucan |
|
|
North Strand |
|
|
Coolock |
|
|
Kilbarrack |
|
|
Edenmore |
|
|
Naas |
|
|
Midland |
Tullamore |
|
Athlone |
|
|
Mullingar |
|
|
Longford |
|
|
Mid-Western |
Ennis |
|
Scarriff |
|
|
Shannon |
|
|
Kilrush |
|
|
Ennistymon |
|
|
Southill |
|
|
Kilmallock |
|
|
Newcastlewest |
|
|
Nenagh |
|
|
Thurles |
|
|
Roscrea |
|
|
Newport |
|
|
Cappamore |
|
|
North-Eastern |
Dundalk |
|
Drogheda |
|
|
Navan |
|
|
Southern |
cervical smear screening is available through GPs and Consultant Clinics throughout this area |
|
North-Western |
Lifford |
|
Moville |
|
|
Carndonagh |
|
|
Killybegs |
|
|
Creeslough |
|
|
Enniscrone |
|
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
|
|
Manorhamilton |
|
|
South-Eastern |
County Clinic, Kilkenny |
|
New Ross |
|
|
Clonmel |
|
|
Cashel |
|
|
Tipperary Town |
|
|
Carrick-on-Suir |
|
|
Cahir |
|
|
Newgate St. Clinic, Waterford |
|
|
Enniscorthy |
|
|
Western |
Co. Galway—see footnote* |
|
Castlebar |
|
|
Swinford |
|
|
Ballina |
|
|
Foxford |
|
|
Killala |
|
|
Crossmolina |
|
|
Ballinrobe |
|
|
Ballyhaunis |
|
|
Achill Sound |
|
|
Belmullet |
|
|
Westport |
|
|
Louisburg |
|
|
Claremorris |
|
|
Kilkelly |
|
|
Charlestown |
|
|
Bangor Erris |
|
|
Newport |
|
|
Roscommon |
|
|
Boyle |
|
|
Elphin |
|
|
Castlerea |
|
|
Strokestown |
|
|
Ballaghaderreen |
* At time of reply a full list of health centres in County Galway was not available. It is understood that there are over 41 centres in the county at which cervical smear testing is available. When the information is supplied it will be forwarded to the Deputy.