Written answers

Tuesday, 13 February 2007

Department of Health and Children

Cancer Screening Programme

10:00 am

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 364: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the figures available to her Department in regard to cervical cancer detection in each of the past five years; if these figures are greater than the UK average; the mortality rate as determined by her Department's figures as a result of cervical cancer in each of the past five years; if these figures are greater than the UK average; if she has had discussions with the health service in the UK in relation to cervical cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4953/07]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An effective national cervical screening programme will result in a substantial reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer. It is my objective to have such a programme rolled out, beginning late this year, based on an affordable model. For that purpose, on 1 January 2007, I established a National Cancer Screening Service which amalgamates BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening.

I have allocated additional funding of €5m for 2007 to the Service to commence roll out of the Cervical Screening Programme. The total allocation to the new Service is €33m; this is a 71% increase in the 2006 allocation to the Programmes. Significant preparatory work is well underway involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call/recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories, colposcopy and treatment services will be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service.

Statistics in relation to cancer incidence are collated by the National Cancer Registry. My Department has asked the Director of the Registry to examine these matters and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 365: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her Department or the Health Service Executive acting on behalf of her Department entered into an agreement with a company to deal with the backlog of 30,000 smear tests that are at present awaiting evaluation within the HSE; if so, when the test evaluation will commence; the timeframe for the completion of such tests and evaluations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4955/07]

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 366: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has investigated the UK system in relation to the evaluation of smear testing where results are known to the applicant or patient within three weeks as compared to ten months here; her proposals to align such differences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4957/07]

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 367: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she or officials of her Department have had with the Health Service Executive in relation to the resolution of the backlog of 30,000 smear tests; if she has as a result of such discussions agreed with the HSE capital funding that will provide the proper facilities to overcome this problem; if a decision has been made as to the way the matter will be addressed going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4958/07]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 to 367, inclusive, together.

An effective national cervical screening programme will result in a substantial reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer. It is my objective to have such a programme rolled out, beginning late this year, based on an affordable model. For that purpose, on 1 January 2007, I established a National Cancer Screening Service which amalgamates BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening.

I have allocated additional funding of €5m for 2007 to the Service to commence roll out of the Cervical Screening Programme. The total allocation to the new Service is €33m; this is a 71% increase in the 2006 allocation to the Programmes. Significant preparatory work is well underway involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call/recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories, colposcopy and treatment services will be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service.

I am aware of reports of delays in obtaining results of cervical smears. These delays have not arisen under the Irish Cervical Screening Programme but relate to smears referred by General Practitioners to hospital laboratories, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. The HSE has informed my Department that it has reviewed hospital services, including cytology and is planning on the basis of a 4 week turnaround time in reporting. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the issues raised.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.