Backlog of over 5,000 health screenings across Wicklow

WICKLOW residents have missed out on over 5,000 vital health screenings since the Covid-19 crisis began, according to Deputy Stephen Donnelly, who has called for the immediate re-opening of national screening services.

His calls come as the Minister for Health confirmed to him that screening services will report on their re-start plans in the coming days.

Deputy Donnelly said that it must happen sooner rather than later given the time sensitivity and seriousness of the issue.

‘Cancer screening services have been closed for the past three months.

‘For every day they remain closed 90 women and men in Wicklow are not being screened,’ he said.

‘That means approximately 5,085 screenings; 2,094, Cervical Check 1,196 Breast Check and 1,795 Bowel Screen, screening services that should have happened, haven’t.’

He said that while at the beginning of the outbreak it was necessary to close those services temporarily, many doctors believe they have been closed for too long.

‘Despite clinicians saying they are ready, willing and able to re-start, there has been no date provided by the HSE,’ said Deputy Donnelly.

‘In spelling out the madness of it one GP told me it was “alarming and extremely concerning that we have a tentative date for opening of hairdressers and pubs but not for cancer screening”.

‘GPs are ready. The labs are ready. The consultants are ready. The operating theatres are ready – but nothing’s happened yet,’ said the TD.