Delay in smear test results ‘unacceptable’

Carla Lockhart MP • September 19, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health in Northern Ireland to explain what steps will be taken to address unacceptable delays in processing smear test results.

The DUP representative said:

“Like all healthcare issues, time can be vital in addressing problems before they develop into something more serious. Early detection and early intervention is vital to ensuring better outcomes.

It is therefore deeply worrying that we are seeing delays of up to six months for women to receive the result of a smear test. Women are always told to not delay or put off your smear test, and that is the right advice. Equally it is important that having had the test, that results follow in a reasonable and safe period of time.

The Department need to get to grips with this issue. This is not about policy, it is about management of a key service that is vital to protecting women’s health. We need a clear plan of action from the Permanent Secretary as to how this totally unacceptable delay is going to be addressed and a timeframe for improvement to be seen.”

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