§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what checks are made to ensure that departmental guidelines on the taking of cervical smears are followed. [3253]
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§ Ms JowellGuidance on taking cervical smears was given in the British Society for Clinical Cytology's training video and booklet for smear-takers, "Taking Cervical Smears" which was promulgated to the NHS under cover of EL(94)33, and "Quality Assurance Guidelines for the Cervical Screening Programme" issued to the NHS in March 1996. A further training resource pack is currently in preparation by the NHS, which will include methods of audit. Copies of these guidance documents are available in the Library. It is for health authorities to ensure that quality standards in smear-taking are achieved.