Vol. 568 No. 5
345 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when smear clinics will recommence in County Mayo; the attempts which have been made by the Western Health Board to recruit someone for this position; if the position has been advertised; if so, if interviews have been carried out; and the estimated time-frame for restoring smear clinics in County Mayo. [16487/03]
The Western Health Board has advised that the regional manager's office is currently examining proposals to reinstate this service in the Mayo and Roscommon areas and the funding options for same.
It is hoped to recruit one whole-time public health nurse for this position with suitable qualifications. To carry out a smear test clinic service, a person must have a minimum qualification as a registered general nurse, with specific training and experience in cervical screening. The nurse must also be on the register with An Bord Altranais. In the meantime, cervical screening continues to be available from GPs and family planning clinics.
