Vol. 566 No. 1
468 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a backlog for cervical screening in the SEHB area; the time frame involved for such screening; if the thin BREP PAT test is used in the SEHB area; if the ERHA has agreed to reimburse St. Luke's laboratory for the conversion to the new scheme; if the new scheme is cost-efficient and effective in terms of the patient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11811/03]
I am advised by the Eastern Regional Health Authority that approximately half of all smears originating within the South Eastern Health Board region are sent to the eastern region for processing. Within the Eastern Regional Health Authority, smears are processed in date order, regardless of where they originate from, except in the case of smears marked as clinically urgent, which are processed quickly.
There is currently a backlog for cervical screening within the eastern region. With regard to routine screening, the turnaround time varies from between six and 15 weeks. However, I should emphasise that if a smear is notified as clinically urgent, it is usually processed within one week, regardless of its origin.
Hospitals and agencies within the ERHA process both conventional pap smears and liquid based smears. Consumables for liquid based smears are more expensive, but from a screening viewpoint, they are considered faster to screen. In 2003, additional funding was allocated to St. Luke's and other agencies in Dublin for the extra cost of consumables for liquid based smears originating within the eastern region. In due course, if proved to be cost efficient, this new method of screening may be extended. The ERHA has advised that although the consumables for liquid based cytology are more expensive, it is envisaged that the additional expense will be offset by a faster screening time per smear, resulting in a consequent reduction in the turn around times.
