asked the Minister for Health if a period of three weeks is allowed to elapse between the date of notification to mothers that a post-natal cervical smear test has proved positive and the date fixed for further tests; and, if so, if he regards this situation as satisfactory; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cervical Smear Test.
38.
I understand that the period between confirmation that a cervical smear test is positive and the date of a further examination of the patient is usually between one and three weeks. Where there are indications of urgency the follow-up examinations are carried out within a matter of days. I am advised that the above arrangements are medically acceptable.
While I indicated earlier that there are women who are not prepared to undergo this test or who do not appreciate its importance, would the Minister not appreciate that in those cases where women undergo the test and are notified of its proving positive and asked to return in three weeks, there is a period of great anxiety on the part of those women and their families? Consequently, should there not be an indication with such notices that the matter is not important or urgent? Alternatively, there should be a shorter time lapse between the notification and the carrying out of further tests.
I am not aware of any dissatisfaction with the present situation. My medical advice is that the situation is satisfactory. In the case of urgency the patient is recalled immediately and if a test is positive the patient should be recalled within seven days.
Is not the Minister aware that the difficulty is that when a hospital notifies people in non-urgent cases they do not make it clear that the matter is not urgent with the result that a woman and her family can undergo severe mental stress during the several weeks that elapse before additional tests are carried out. While the situation may be accepted medically it is harrowing mentally. If the Minister wishes to investigate he will find that there are a number of instances in which this undue stress is caused. It is really a question of information.
I will discuss it further with my medical people.