§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health who will hold the annual budget for liquid-based cytology consumables in England and Wales referred to in paragraph 14 of NICE's appraisal of liquid-based cytology. [303]
§ Yvette CooperThree pilot sites have now begun using liquid-based cytology (LBC) techniques as part of the National Health Service cervical screening programme in England, as recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). The United Kingdom National Screening Committee, which advises Ministers on all aspects of screening policy, is sponsoring the pilot. The LBC arm of the pilot will report in early 2002, and will be reappraised by NICE in May 2002.
76WIf recommended by NICE, LBC will be rolled out across the NHS cervical screening programme over two to three years. Details of the funding mechanisms will be determined nearer the time in the light of NICE recommendations and the experience of the pilot.