§ Mr. ClellandTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice her Department issues on methods to be adopted in carrying out cervical smear tests;
(2) what action she proposes to take following the findings of the report of the Northern regional health authority on the recall of Dr. Lustman's patients for repeat cervical smears that methods varied according to socio-economic group.
§ Mr. SackvilleIn 1988 the Department of Health circulated to all health authorities the report of an intercollegiate working party on cervical cytology screening which includes guidance on the taking of cervical smears. HSG(93)41 issued in August 1993 updates earlier guidance on the cervical cancer screening programme. This refers both to accepted clinical guidance issued by the British Society for Clinical Cytology on the taking of cervical smears and fail-safe mechanisms for their follow-up. Copies of both documents are available in the Library. All women should have access to the same high standard of service regardless of socio-economic group. It is unacceptable to use an inferior method on such grounds. Variations from the standard method for taking cervical smears are acceptable only on clinical grounds, or where the patient makes an informed choice, in full possession of the clinical facts.
§ Mr. ClellandTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she proposes to take following the publication of the report of the Northern regional health authority on the recall of Dr. Lustman's patients for repeat cervical smears; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThis is a matter for the Northern regional health authority and Gateshead family health services authority. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairmen for details.