Cervical Smears (Hansard, 19 October 1998)

§ Mr. Austin
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many cytology laboratories in Wales are sending their cervical smears to other laboratories for interpretation. [55305]
942W

Mr. Jon Owen Jones
One laboratory in Wales is currently sending cervical screening work to an adjacent laboratory on a temporary and short-term basis. This is due to end this month.

§ Dr. Starkey
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales for each health authority in Wales, 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. [55210]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones
The information requested is as follows:

Health authority Average time taken (weeks) Percentage (longer than 4 weeks)

Bro Taf HA 3.5 16

Dyfed Powys HA 3 0

Gwent HA 4 20

Morgannwg HA 3.5 20.6

North Wales HA 3.75 10

§ Dr. Starkey
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 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. [55206]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones
The average time taken in Wales is 4 weeks; and about 13 per cent. are over 4 weeks.

Health authority	Average time taken (weeks)	Percentage (longer than 4 weeks)
Bro Taf HA	3.5	16
Dyfed Powys HA	3	0
Gwent HA	4	20
Morgannwg HA	3.5	20.6
North Wales HA	3.75	10