Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
763 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for cervical screening tests and test results at each of the State’s testing centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21505/04]
View answerMy Department is advised by the Eastern Regional Health Authority and relevant health boards that the current waiting times for cervical screening tests are as follows:
|
Centre |
Urgent |
Routine |
|
St. Lukes Hospital, Dublin |
1-2 weeks |
5 weeks |
|
RCSI Cytology Department |
1-2 weeks |
9 weeks |
|
National Maternity Hospital |
1-2 weeks |
2-4 weeks |
|
Beaumont Hospital |
1-2 weeks |
7- 8 weeks |
|
Rotunda Hospital |
1-2 weeks |
4-6 weeks |
|
Coombe Hospital |
1-2 weeks |
6-8 weeks |
|
St. James’s Hospital |
1-2 weeks |
9 weeks |
|
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital |
1 week |
4-9 weeks |
|
Sligo General Hospital |
4 weeks |
4-6 weeks |
|
Cork University Hospital |
1 week |
7-8 weeks |
|
Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe |
immediate |
11 weeks |
|
University College Hosp. Galway |
2 weeks |
6 weeks |
The number of smear tests carried out nationally has increased by almost 20% in recent years. In order to meet this increased demand, additional cumulative funding of €11 million has been provided by my Department since 2002 to enhance the laboratory and colposcopy services. This funding has enabled the laboratories to employ additional personnel, to purchase new equipment and to introduce new technology and thereby increase the volume of activity and improve turnaround times for results. In addition, a number of hospitals have contracted out smear test analysis to external laboratories to reduce waiting times.
