Seán Haughey
Question:636 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if smear tests now have to be paid for as part of a patient's natal care; the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1201/03]
Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.
The report of the maternity and infant care scheme review group, which was published in 1994, considered the provision of maternity services in general and made a number of recommendations regarding the operation of the maternity and infant care scheme. The scheme provides for an agreed programme of care, free of charge, to an expectant mother arising out of her pregnancy and to her new born baby for six weeks after birth. In its report, the review group did not envisage a cervical smear test as part of the scheme, but noted that the Department of Health cervical screening committee was, at that time, examining all aspects of the cervical screening service. The 1996 report of the Department of Health cervical screening committee was subsequently published and currently informs policy in relation to the development of a national cervical screening programme. This report states that post-natal smears are not recommended in asymptomatic women.
It is important to note, however, that while cervical smear testing is not currently provided by GPs under the scheme for medical card holders, such testing, which is found to be necessary in the context of the individual woman's medical examination and clinical needs, is available under the GMS scheme. For those women who require follow-up treatment, such service is available to all women, including medical card holders, within the public hospital system.
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 assist ance 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 require 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 that 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.
Question No. 637 answered with Question No. 589.