Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:66 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when the cervical smear testing programme will be available nationwide; and the steps being taken to reduce delays in providing results. [10812/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 7 April 2004
Ceisteanna (74)
Freagraí scríofa
Phase one of the national cervical screening programme has operated in the Mid-Western Health Board area since October 2000. Free screening is offered at five yearly intervals to approximately 74,000 women in the 25 to 60 age group.
The national health strategy includes a commitment to extend the programme to the rest of the country. The Health Boards Executive has initiated an examination of the feasibility and implications of a national programme. It is a major undertaking with significant logistical and resource implications. At present part of the programme includes an evaluation of phase one, policy development and the establishment of national governance arrangements. The work has regard to both the experiences gained from the phase one programme and other international programmes as well as current best practice.
The evaluation of phase one is a key element in informing the development of a high quality cervical screening model for Ireland. The evaluation is under way and it is anticipated that it will be completed within the next few months. Once completed, HeBE has advised that it will prepare a draft roll out plan.
I shall support boards in their efforts to reduce the waiting times for cervical smear test results. Over the past number of years my Department has allocated additional funding to support the ongoing development and enhancement of cervical cytology services, including the achievement of a reduction in waiting times for smear test results. The funding has facilitated the employment of staff, provision of training, introduction of new technologies such as liquid based cytology, investment in new equipment and upgrading of facilities. The additional funding has also enabled the contracting out of cervical smear test analysis to external laboratories to assist in clearing backlogs. Further additional funding amounting to €0.5 million was allocated in 2004 as part of a programme of continued investment in cervical cytology and colposcopy services.