Vol. 557 No. 6
50 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the fact that the waiting period for public patients seeking the results of a gynaecological smear test can be any period up to four or five months, whereas the similar waiting period for private patients can be less than two weeks. [22813/02]
I am concerned by the long delays experienced by some women waiting for a routine smear test result. I am advised, based on the latest information available, that waiting times for such results vary depending on the laboratory and can range from periods of three weeks up to those referred to by the Deputy. However, where cervical smears are urgent, results are available within a fortnight in the majority of cases. In a minority of instances, the waiting time can extend to four weeks.
I assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to facilitating a reduction in waiting times for routine smear test results. To this end, additional funding has been provided over the last few years for the development of cervical cytology laboratories in terms of additional staffing, equipment and the introduction of new technology. Furthermore, my Department has recently approved the piloting of a proposed contingency plan to assist in overcoming capacity problems in the cervical cytology laboratories. This plan involves the contracting out of the analysis of cervical smears to a laboratory abroad, subject to compliance with the requirements set out in the December 1999 document, Quality Assurance Guidelines for the Irish National Cervical Screening Programme.
Phase one of the national cervical screening programme has been up and running in the Mid-Western Health Board since October 2000. Under the national health strategy, a commitment has been given to the full extension of the programme to the rest of the country. The experience gained from phase one should be of assistance in the context of implementing this commitment. The process of planning and organising the national programme is a major undertaking with significant logistical and resource implications that requires careful consideration. Following discussions with my Department on the matter, the chief executive officers of the health boards initiated an examination of the feasibility and implications of a roll-out of the national programme. In this context, I understand the chief executive officers are currently paying particular attention to the need to have an external review of phase one carried out and also to ensure appropriate governance structures are in place for managing the national programme.
51 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is intended to have the national cervical cancer screening scheme available on a national basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22923/02]
I am pleased to report that phase one of the national cervical screening programme was launched in the Mid-Western Health Board on 16 October 2000. Under the programme, cervical screening is being offered to approximately 67,000 women, free of charge, at five year intervals in the Mid-Western Health Board area.
