§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he proposes to increase the take-up of(a) breast screening and (b) cervical cancer testing amongst women with learning disabilities. [54908]
§ Mr. BoatengWe are aware of the need to increase the take-up of breast and cervical screening amongst women with learning disabilities. Work is due to proceed in consultation with the Advisory Committees on Breast Cancer and Cervical Screening to develop good practice frameworks in order to improve equity of access for people with learning difficulties.
§ Mr. AustinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects to announce the findings of the Cervical Screening Action Team; [55300]
(2) if he will set out the terms of reference of the Cervical Screening Action Team; and if he intends to publish its report; [55299]
§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to(a) receive and (b) publish the report of the action team convened by Sir Kenneth Calman on cytology services. [55140]
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§ Mr. BoatengThe Cervical Screening Action Team (CSAT) was set up in December 1997 to monitor action to improve the quality of and public confidence in the National Health Service cervical screening programme; consider what action should be taken to address staff resource issues for the cervical screening programme nationally; and identify any particular areas of the cervical screening programme where further action is needed. Members of the team included representatives from the Women's Nationwide Cancer Control Campaign, the relevant professional bodies and the National Co-ordinating Office of the cervical screening programme.
The report of the Cervical Screening Action Team was published by the Chief Medical Officer on 24 August 1998. It noted the progress made so far, particularly in the areas of quality assurance and training. The team made a number of recommendations about further improvements in quality assurance; training of cytology and other staff; and information for women, the general public and health professionals.
Copies of the report are available in the Library.
§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of recruitment and retention problems in cytology services. [55142]
§ Mr. MilburnA research programme to assess future service needs and issues surrounding recruitment to and retention within the workforce involved in the provision of cytology services is to be commissioned. This will report to the National Health Service Executive through the National Advisory Group for Scientists and Technicians.
§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the average time taken for a patient to receive the results of their cervical smear test; and what percentage take longer than the recommended four weeks; [55207]
(2) for each health authority in England, what is the average time taken for a patient to receive the results of their cervical smear test; and what percentage take longer than the recommended four weeks. [55212]
§ Mr. BoatengThis information is not available centrally. Officials are shortly to begin a formal review of the information available about the cervical screening programme and data collection will be included as part of this review.
Guidance issued by the national co-ordinating team for the National Health Service cervical screening programme state that at least 80 per cent. of women should receive their smear test results within four weeks of the smear being taken and 100 per cent. should receive their results within six weeks. As at 31 March 1997 (the latest information available), 77 per cent. of laboratories were reporting results within four weeks of the date of the smear test and 95 per cent. within six weeks.
§ Mr. AustinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cytology laboratories in England are sending their cervical smears to other laboratories for interpretation. [55301]
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§ Mr. BoatengThe information requested is not available centrally.
However, the National Health Service cervical screening programme has recently conducted a survey of laboratories in England. Of 180 questionnaires sent out, 114 have been returned. Preliminary results show that 16 laboratories send cervical smear slides to other laboratories for assessment.