Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
1061. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the investment made in colposcopy services in 2018, 2019 and 2020; the amount he plans to invest in 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18974/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1064. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the capacity available in colposcopy services in April 2018 versus the capacity in July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18977/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1065. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the position on the processing time for colposcopy results by hospital; the number of laboratories examining these biopsies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18978/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1066. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of women waiting for colposcopy appointments by hospital on 22 July 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18979/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1061 and 1064 to 1066, inclusive, together.
The Programme for Government contains a strong commitment to women’s health issues and ensuring that there is a greater focus on, and scrutiny of, women’s experiences of healthcare. In particular, it has committed to supporting the CervicalCheck Screening Programme, and the colposcopy services as an important part of that programme. This is something I fully support and my Department will work closely with the National Screening Service and the CervicalCheck Programme, in particular, to advance colposcopy services.
In light of the unprecedented public health challenges posed by the COVID-19 global pandemic in March 2020, the National Screening Service’s (NSS) four national screening programmes, including CervicalCheck, were paused in March 2020. It is important to note, however, that clinical staff continued to work within the programmes.
This pause was for community testing (GPs and clinics) and not for patients already referred to or in the process of being managed within the colposcopy system. These patients were still cared for as hospital resources allowed and all colposcopy units continued to operate with a reduced volume.
CervicalCheck has a network of quality-assured colposcopy clinics for women requiring further investigation following a smear test. Colposcopy units prioritised their work in line with clinical need and staffing availability. Samples taken from patients in a colposcopy clinic setting (including follow-up smear clinics) continued to be accepted by the CervicalCheck Screening Programme.
In terms of investment in colposcopy services in particular, this is dealt with as part of the National Service Plan and the HSE will provide details of investment made in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Funding for 2021 will be dealt with as part of the upcoming estimates process.
In relation to the specific data requested in relation to capacity available in colposcopy services, processing time for colposcopy results by hospital, the number of laboratories involved, numbers of women waiting for appointments, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
