Cervical Smear Tests (Hansard, 19 October 1998)

§ Mr. Austin
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cytology laboratories in Northern Ireland are sending their cervical smears to other laboratories for interpretation. [55307]

§ Mr. McFall
None.

§ Dr. Starkey
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average time taken for a patient to receive the results of their cervical smear test; and what percentage take longer than the recommended four weeks. [55209]

§ Mr. McFall
The average time taken for a patient to receive the results of her cervical smear test is three weeks. Less than 10 per cent. take longer than the recommended four weeks.

§ Dr. Starkey
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for each health and social services board in Northern Ireland, what is the average time taken for a patient to receive the results of their cervical smear test; and what percentage take longer than the recommended four weeks. [55213]

§ Mr. McFall
The information requested is as follows:

Health and Social Services Board Average time for results Percentage over 4 weeks

Eastern 2 weeks Nil

Northern 2 weeks Nil

Southern 4 weeks 20

Western 4 weeks 20

Health and Social Services Board	Average time for results	Percentage over 4 weeks
Eastern	2 weeks	Nil
Northern	2 weeks	Nil
Southern	4 weeks	20
Western	4 weeks	20