Smear test recall for 150 women

Concern over screening at 2 surgeries

AT least 150 women have been urgently recalled for smear tests after concerns over methods used by a health practitioner.

Two GP surgeries are involved – Abbott’s Cross Practice in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, and Dr Mckenna’s Practice in Thames Street, Belfast.

The patients have been sent invitations for a repeat cervical screening test.

The healthcare worker concerned is no longer conducting smear examinations.

The Public Health Agency and Health and Social Care Board have been made aware of potential shortcomings in the technique used to take the tests at the surgeries and a review team has been established to examine the issue.

PHA consultant Dr Tracy Owen said:

YESTERDAY

“We understand the women receiving these letters may be anxious but we’d like to reassure them this is a precautionary measure and would urge them to accept the invitation for a repeat test.”

Officials said the recall “does not necessarily mean their initial results were wrong”.

A test is reported as normal if it shows no abnormal cells.

However, if the sample does not include cells from all parts of the cervix there is a small chance an area of abnormal cells may have been missed.

A spokesman for the two GP practices said: “We have put in place arrangements for those affected to get an appointment quickly.

“Patients who haven’t received a letter from us have no reason to be concerned and do not need to arrange a repeat test.”