Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme. Tuesday, 5 November 2002

Dáil Eireann Debate Vol. 556 No. 3 Page of 511

  532.  Mr. Naughten      asked the Minister for Health and Children      the details of the provision for smear testing in the Western Health Board region and specifically in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20120/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):    I am advised by the Western Health Board that a public health nurse is responsible for the taking [823] of cervical smear tests in health centres in Galway. In addition, a “walk-in” clinic, run by public health nurses, is held every Friday afternoon in the maternity out-patient department in University College Hospital, Galway.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, a break in the continuity of the cervical smeartaking service in health centres occurred in August 2001. However, the board has further advised that a public health nurse is currently facilitating smeartaking clinics in Mayo and Roscommon in an effort to clear the backlog that has arisen as a result. These clinics are being provided over a ten-week period and are due to be completed in December. The board have stated that it is currently reviewing the provision of cervical smeartaking clinics in Mayo and Roscommon for 2003. Smear tests are also available in GP surgeries and family planning clinics.

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Last Updated: 10/09/2010 17:45:42

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