§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he received the report of the Liverpool health authority following its investigation into errors in cervical smear testing; what action he is taking to assist those who were the victims of these errors; what plans he has to ensure they will not be repeated in Liverpool or elsewhere; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mrs. CurrieThe report of the independent review into problems arising from cervical cytology screening at The Women's hospital, Liverpool, was received by Liverpool health authority on 22 September 1987. The Department received a copy of the report at the same time.
Liverpool health authority spared no effort in tracing the women affected and provided the staff, equipment and facilities necessary for their care. Special clinics were set up to enable these women to be seen as quickly as possible. Arrangements for counselling women who need further treatment is continuing.
The Department is currently preparing fresh guidance for the National Health Service on cervical cancer screening which includes advice on quality control procedures in cervical cytology laboratories and also fail-safe mechanisms for the follow-up of abnormal smears. The hon. Member will wish to know that the findings of the Liverpool report are being taken into account. The guidance, in the form of a health circular, will become available before the end of the year.