Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 2

Written Answers. - Cervical Smear Tests.

Ivor Callely

Question:

87 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the current waiting period for cervical smear test results; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns by patients and doctors at such long waiting periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20534/96]

Ivor Callely

Question:

89 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the anticipated backlog of smear tests by the end of 1996; the proposals, if any, he has to address this backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20537/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 89 together.

I am aware that in one hospital the interval between the taking of a smear and the issue of the result is in excess of one month. The hospital management has informed the Department of Health that urgent or special cases are dealt with immediately. This hospital has taken measures to reduce the backlog by 50 per cent by the end of the year. The hospital is also looking at other options in the short-term to totally eliminate the backlog.

The report of the working party on cervical screening, which was published yesterday, makes a number of recommendations regarding laboratories, personnel, training and arrangements to ensure that services are provided efficiently and that results of tests are available speedily. The commencement of the implementation of these recommendations will shortly get under way.