Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 October 2018
258. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if women are having to have a second cervical test due to a backlog in view of the recent reports; the number of women affected by same; and the measures being taken to counteract this backlog [44193/18]
View answerOn 1 May, following a Government Decision, I asked CervicalCheck to make the necessary arrangements to provide that any woman who had had a CervicalCheck smear test, and whose GP considered that they should have a further test, could access such a test without charge. This decision was taken considering the need to provide reassurance to women.
The HSE advises that CervicalCheck laboratory activity remains significantly above normal levels. This is a result both of out-of-cycle smears, and also increased uptake generally. This has impacted turnaround times for results of smear tests.
The HSE also advises that every effort is being made to ensure that tests are processed as quickly as possible, having regard to the high standards required for testing. This is a priority concern for my Department and the HSE. The recent agreements reached with the contracted labs include arrangements to address the backlog in testing.
I think it is important to emphasise that smear tests are a screening and not a diagnostic process, and if any women is concerned or is experiencing any symptoms, she should consult with her GP.
In relation to the specific questions raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
