§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent information he has concerning the programme of reviewing of cervical smear slides from Inverclyde royal hospital, Greenock; what methods are being used to locate women who have left Inverclyde; when he expects the whole of the programme, including the re-examination of women recalled by the hospital, to be completed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 20 May 1993]: Argyll and Clyde health board has informed me that some 12,000 slides have now been re-examined and a further 8,000 have been sent to laboratories for return next week. The board is on target to notify all the women who have been traced through NHS information sources of the results of the re-examination by the beginning of June.
The main method being used to trace women is through the "Community Health Index". The board has also contacted other health authorities and the USA naval 450W authorities. The telephone helpline has also picked up changes of address. It is too early to say whether any outside agencies will be required to assist.
The board is making good progress with the review. The programme is expected to be completed in eight to nine weeks and on present progress will be achieved by the end of June. The preliminary results indicate that 90 per cent. of women have negative results. The majority of others are expected also to have similar results when the results of re-smears or investigations are completed.