John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

436. To ask the Minister for Health the reason University Hospital Waterford is excluded from the list of available locations in which it is possible to have procedures completed under the national bowel screening programme; if this service can be made available at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11828/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Cancer surgery and histopathology work arising from BowelScreen is carried out in the designated cancer centres, including University Hospital Waterford.

The National Screening Service has contracted 14 hospitals to provide endoscopy services for BowelScreen.  Each part of the BowelScreen process is quality assured and monitored to ensure adherence to the highest international standards and patient outcomes. Quality assurance in regard to colonoscopies is organised through the UK JAG (Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) accreditations process.

At this time University Hospital Waterford does not meet all of the requirements specified under the JAG accreditation process for colonoscopies. Should this change, the hospital will be considered for colonoscopy work arising from BowelScreen.