§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether funding and co-ordination of liquid based cytology training for pathologists, screeners and smear-takers will be organised centrally through the NHS Cervical Screening Programme following the NICE review; [67071]
420W(2) who will be responsible for reviewing the requirements for liquid based cytology processing centres in England and Wales following the NICE review. [67068]
(3) what plans have been put in place to train staff in preparation for the roll-out of liquid based cytology cervical screening within six months of a positive NICE review; [67073]
(4) what additional data relating to liquid based cytology is expected as a result of the English cervical screening pilot trials; [67066]
(5) if it is anticipated that every laboratory which wants to offer liquid based cytology screening will be appropriately funded following the NICE review; [67069]
(6) when NICE' s review of the English pilot trials will be published; and who will be consulted as part of the review; [67067]
§ Ms BlearsChanging to liquid based cytology (LBC) would be a major change to the way in which the national health service cervical screening programme is delivered. Before any new technology is introduced in the NHS, we must be sure that it is safe and effective, and that quality standards can be maintained.
The evaluation report of the three sites in the English LBC pilot is due in the autumn, and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) will give their decision on its implementation across the NHS cervical screening programme in 2003. As part of this process, NICE will consult all relevant stakeholders including manufacturers, patient and professional groups.
We are discussing with experts in the field, NHS cancer screening programmes and the NHS Purchasing and Supplies Agency how best to introduce LBC if the NICE decision is positive, including training in laboratories and primary care and the potential impact of LBC on laboratory provision.
The evaluation of the pilot will provide data on the effects, costs and practical implications of introducing LBC technology into the NHS cervical screening programme.
§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if funding for setting up liquid based cytology cervical screening services will be provided direct to the laboratories, and if such funding will be ring-fenced. [67070]
§ Ms BlearsThe April 2002 Budget provides the highest sustained growth in national health service history: annual average increases of 7.4 per cent. per annum real terms over the five years 2003–04 to 2007–08. Decisions about the allocation of the increased funding will be announced later this year.
§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if companies will be allowed to work in partnership with the NHS to provide a better cervical screening service for women in the UK. [67072]
§ Ms BlearsThe National Health Service Purchasing and Supply Agency has supported the NHS cancer screening programmes within England by negotiating contracts for liquid based cytology for pilot study sites, and by providing commercial input into the development of the supply markets.
421WThe NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency is involved in ongoing discussions with suppliers of pathology products and services. The discussions include the potential benefits of working in partnership, the impact of partnerships on the NHS cervical screening programme and potential future developments which may enhance the service further.