Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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153. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the schedule of supports being offered to women affected by the controversy surrounding the CervicalCheck screening service; the number of women for whom supports are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27144/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On 11 May 2018, the Government agreed a comprehensive package of health and social care measures to support the 209 women who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer and whose audit result differed from their original smear test and for their families.

A range of services is being made available to all women, tailored to their individual needs and circumstances. This includes medical cards, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, home care packages, counselling, disability services, medication, transport and childcare costs and other supports. 

Since the decision to establish the support package, a team of specially designated Liaison Officers has been appointed to work with individuals and put in place the required supports. At close of business on Thursday 14 June 2018, the Liaison Officers had contacted 203 individuals and held 143 face-to-face meetings to discuss their needs.

It is important to note that every individual’s circumstances will be unique to them and thus the HSE has taken care to respect the wishes of the women and their families regarding the timing of contacts and subsequent meetings.  Where meetings have not yet been held, this reflects the wishes of the individuals concerned either to meet at a future date that suits them or, in some instances not to take up the offer of support.

To date, the HSE has issued 246 new medical cards to women and family members or next-of-kin, and has also made amendments to the terms of existing medical cards or G.P visit cards in 87 cases to re-categorise these as medical cards under the terms of the CervicalCheck support package.  A very small number of registration requests are currently on hand and liaison officers are working with clients to complete these, while any outstanding registration requests will be processed as a matter of priority as soon as they are submitted.

Where women have been prescribed a medicine by their treating clinician, any out-of-pocket costs will be met. This includes medicines not officially approved for reimbursement and any other non-standard therapies, once prescribed for the patient by their doctor.

Arrangements are in place to reimburse a range of costs that the women and their families incur from 11 May 2018 including travel costs, childcare costs and medical appointment costs among others.  These will be reimbursed upon receipt of claims from individuals.   

My Department is working with the HSE to gather information on the type and scale of costs that individuals have incurred retrospectively, to enable a decision to be made on the most appropriate means of supporting people in this regard. 

In response to a recommendation from Dr Scally's recently published progress report, I have also made available an ex gratia payment of €2,000 to the women and families affected. As Dr Scally rightly states in his report, it is important that women do not encounter any financial obstacles to participating and making their voices heard in relation to the Scoping Inquiry or any subsequent Commission of Investigation. These payments will be made as quickly as possible. I am advised that the HSE aims to have all the payments processed by the end of June.

This should not be considered a bar to any further payment that Government may decide to make available. It should be noted that not all of the 209 women and families to whom the package of supports has been offered has taken this up, and this may also apply in relation to the ex gratia payment. The process and all required supports will continue to be rolled out to all women directly affected.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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154. To ask the Minister for Health the proactive outreach actions being taken to contact and offer additional screening services for those with a high risk profile for cervical cancer in view of the controversy surrounding the CervicalCheck screening service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27145/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Cervical screening tests women for changes in the cells of the cervix using a smear test. Changes are common and cervical screening by smear tests can pick up early cell changes so they can be monitored or treated. The earlier abnormal cell changes are found, the easier they are to treat. Early detection and treatment of changes in the cells of the cervix can prevent cervical cancer.

All women are actively encouraged to attend for cervical screening at appropriate intervals. Women aged 25 to 44 will be invited routinely for a free smear test every three years and women aged 45 to 60 will be invited routinely every five years.

Women who are recommended for increased surveillance are re-called after one year following a normal smear test result.

Cervical screening tests, like other screening tests, are not 100% accurate. Any women who has concerns or experiences suspicious symptoms should visit her doctor for further investigation.