NO INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOCTORS ON RETESTS DESPITE PROMISE

DOCTORS have not been instructed on procedures to carry out cervical rechecks, despite an announcement by the Minister for Health that all concerned women will be offered another test.

While cervical smears are usually taken every three years, Simon Harris had said that any women concerned about the service can be tested again free of charge.

However, GPs have not yet been told how to go about the cervical rechecks.

Medical centres were unable to offer patients advice on seeking a second screening and were instead advised to continue to monitor the CervicalCheck website for details.

The HSE said that women who are concerned about their tests will be able to get a recheck free of charge but that measures had not yet been put in place.

‘The Minister for Health has announced that women can have a repeat cervical screening if they wish to do so. We will set this up shortly and will post details on cervicalcheck.ie as soon as possible,’ the HSE spokeswoman said.

The Irish Medical Organisation said that it is due to meet with the Department of Health tomorrow to discuss how the rechecks will be carried out.

The HSE said that any woman concerned about past smears should contact the helpline on 1800 45 45 55 with their details and they will be contacted by a clinician.