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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 2

Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

27 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the new procedures, if any, introduced in hospitals in regard to the results of cervical smear tests arising from the incorrect reporting of the results of a number of tests; if the cause of the errors has been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18241/99]

As the Deputy is aware, in April of this year the North-Western Health Board completed a review of cervical smears analysed on behalf of the board by a private laboratory. The board's review led them to suspect that a number of smears had been incorrectly read. The board contacted the women in question and these women have received satisfactory and appropriate medical follow-up. The chief executive officer commissioned consultants to carry out an independent investigation into the incident and their report is expected next month.

In addition the expert advisory group which was set up to provide advice on the establishment of a national cervical screening programme is currently finalising quality assurance guidelines for laboratories. This document which includes quality assurance targets for smeartakers, the laboratory and the colposcopy service will be circulated shortly. Preparations are currently under way in the Mid-Western Health Board to commence screening under phase one of the national cervical screening programme. This year the Mid-Western Health Board received £750,000 to cover the running costs of the project.
It is envisaged that screening of the target group, 67,000 women aged 25 to 60 years in the Mid-Western Health Board, will commence in early 2000. Following implementation of phase one and its evaluation, the programme will be extended to women in other health board areas.
In addition to phase one of the national cervical screening programme, I have provided funding totalling approximately £1 million to a number of laboratories to ensure that they meet the standards required for participation in the national screening programme. I have also asked the expert advisory group to carry out a detailed examination of automated screening and its potential use in the Irish context.
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