§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what target his Department sets NHS trusts and health authorities for the maximum period for a patient to be notified of the results of a mammogram X-ray; and what is the actual maximum period for patients served by Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust in the most recent period for which figures are available. [101364]
§ Yvette CooperThe National Health Service breast screening programme sets standards to ensure that the performance of all breast screening programmes is monitored on a consistent national basis. One of these is that at least 90 per cent. of women should receive the 235W results of their mammogram within two weeks. This is to minimise the anxiety for women who are awaiting their results. This standard is monitored by local screening programmes and regional quality assurance teams.
Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust (Colchester and Chelmsford breast screening unit) screened 11,147 women between 1 April 1999 and 31 August 1999. 78.3 per cent. of women were sent their results within two weeks. 93.6 per cent. of women were sent their results within three weeks. 0.3 per cent. (41 women) waited over five weeks for their results. The trust is looking to appoint a further radiologist to help reach the minimum standard of 90 per cent. of women receiving their results within two weeks.