Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

489 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals to send cervical smear tests for women in the Southern Health Board area for assessment; the resources he is putting in place to allow this to occur; the funding which has been invested in cytological services and facilities in the Southern Health Board in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19783/02]

The issue of the assessment of cervical smear tests in the Southern Health Board is a matter for that board. I have asked the board to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the options of having the smears sent elsewhere for assessment and that of the Mercy Hospital taking some of the cases awaiting attention at the cervical cytology laboratory in Cork University Hospital.

With a view to facilitating the board in meeting the demands for smear test analysis, my Department approved the establishment of four new posts, i.e. three medical laboratory scientists and one medical laboratory assistant, for the cervical cytology laboratory at Cork University Hospital in May 2002.

I should point out that I am committed to facilitating a reduction in the waiting times for cervical smear test results. In this regard, my Department recently approved the piloting by the phase one cervical screening programme of a proposed contingency plan to assist in overcoming capacity problems in the cervical cytology laboratories. This plan involves the contracting out of cervical smears to a laboratory abroad subject to compliance with the requirements set out in the 1999 document, Quality Assurance Guidelines for the Irish National Cervical Screening Programme. I am advised that arrangements are at preparatory stage, involving visits to potential external laboratories to check compliance with standards.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

490 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the lengthy waiting lists for the results of cervical smear test results in Cork University Hospital and the much shorter waiting lists in the Mercy Hospital, Cork, the reason he will not instruct the latter to take on board some of the cases awaiting attention in Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19784/02]

The issue of the assessment of cervical smear tests in the Southern Health Board is a matter for that board. I have asked the board to respond direct to the Deputy in relation to the options of having the smears sent elsewhere for assessment and that of the Mercy Hospital taking some of the cases awaiting attention at the cervical cytology laboratory in Cork University Hospital.

With a view to facilitating the board in meeting the demands for smear test analysis, my Department approved the establishment of four new posts, i.e. three medical laboratory scientists, and one medical laboratory assistant, for the cervical cytology laboratory at Cork University Hospital in May 2002.

I should point out that I am committed to facilitating a reduction in the waiting times for cervical smear test results. In this regard, my Department recently approved the piloting by the phase one cervical screening programme of a proposed contingency plan to assist in overcoming capacity problems in the cervical cytology laboratories. This plan involves the contracting out of cervical smears to a laboratory abroad subject to compliance with the requirements set out in the 1999 document, Quality Assurance Guidelines for the Irish National Cervical Screening Programme. I am advised that arrangements are at preparatory stage, involving visits to potential external laboratories to check compliance with standards.

Barr
Roinn