Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 May 2018
61. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of calls that have been made to the CervicalCheck helpline; the number that have been returned; the number that are awaiting a return call; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23451/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs at 24 May 21,228 calls had been received by the CervicalCheck helpline, 11,341 women had requested callbacks and 10.382 women had received callbacks. The rate of call back has been steadily improving and as of 24 May stood at 92 per cent. There is a process of checking records, checking data quality and assigning the callback to a health professional, and the Serious Incident Management Team is working closely with the Hospital Groups to ensure that women receive call backs as quickly as possible.
Daily updates from the Serious Incident Management Team, which contain figures relating to the helpline, can be found at cervicalcheck.ie.
It is important to say that CervicalCheck, despite its failings in relation to disclosure, works. The cervical screening programme has reduced the risk of women developing cervical cancer and there was a significant downward trend in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer between 2010 and 2015. Also, cervical cancers are being diagnosed at an earlier stage and five-year survival rates have improved. However, the extensive coverage of this issue has resulted in women feeling a lack of trust and confidence in CervicalCheck or having concerns about quality and the possibility of a false negative result. Where a woman has concerns, she can also consult her GP and, if necessary, have a further smear test. CervicalCheck will reimburse the GP for the consultation and any smear test and no charge will arise for the patient.
