Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 3 April 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health

CervicalCheck Screening Programme Update: Discussion (Resumed)

Mr. Damien McCallion:

No, there are two issues. One is that we are trying to capture some resources over the next period - both laboratories and individuals who are qualified to work in laboratories - to address the backlog. That is crucial. Our current pressure is that in some cases women are waiting excessive periods. That is one of the core issues we want to tackle. We have made some inroads. The times have reduced in the Coombe and Quest Diagnostics laboratories. We have challenges and we are working with our other partner to address those. We have found some solutions but we are trying to work them through in the coming weeks.