Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1432. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the laboratories from which misread cervical smear tests came; and if the misread figures will be distinguished from those that were false negatives. [32882/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Scally Inquiry, which the Government established on 08 May 2018, is examining all aspects of CervicalCheck, and all relevant documents within the Department and the HSE. As part of the Terms of Reference of the Inquiry, Dr Scally will examine the tendering, contracting, operation, conflict of interest arrangements, performance information and performance management, accreditation and quality assurance of contracted cytology laboratory services by CervicalCheck from initiation of the programme.
Separately, the Independent Clinical Expert Review Panel led by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists will review the results of screening tests of all women who have developed cervical cancer who participated in the screening programme since it was established. This will provide independent clinical assurance to women about the timing of their diagnosis and any issues relating to their treatment and outcome.
These two strands of investigation will establish the facts with regard to the performance of contracted cytology laboratory services, as indeed is required by the very comprehensive terms of reference set for Dr Scally as agreed by a majority of the Opposition. It is important now that we allow these reviews to conclude.
