§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the secretary of state for Social Services if he will make a statement on the backlog of cervical smear tests in cytology laboratories; and if he is taking any steps to speed up the examination of the results of such tests.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:I am well aware of some serious local problems. Recent backlogs are a result of the tragic events at Oxford earlier this year. The resultant publicity has caused many more women to seek a test. Because most cervical cancers develop slowly, some delay in processing does not detract from the value of having a smear taken. However, delays do cause anxiety to some women and backlogs are demoralising for laboratory staff.
Delays in particular laboratories are a matter for local management to resolve and I have asked health authorities to pay particular attention to the problem. However, we are keen to discover whether there are any general problems which can be tackled at the national level. I am particularly concerned about the need to train adequate numbers of staff, as it is the need for trained staff which is causing most of the delays in increasing the pace of work in laboratories at the moment. I am, in the near future, meeting representatives of the British Society for Clinical Cytology to discuss this and other problems. In addition, we are having discussions with representatives of the relevant medical disciplines, including pathology, to explore a number of suggestions for improving the effectiveness of the cervical cancer screening programme.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how long it is currently taking for the cytology laboratory at Christie hospital, Manchester, to 432W examine and report back to general practitioners on cervical smear tests; if he is satisfied with the present staffing level in the laboratory; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe cervical cytology service at the Christie hospital is the responsibility of the South Manchester district health authority. The right hon. Member may therefore wish to make inquiries of the chairman of the authority.