Cervical Screening

Health written question – answered at on 17 July 2002.

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Photo of Ian Gibson Ian Gibson Labour, Norwich North

To ask the Secretary of State for Health

(1) whether funding and co-ordination of liquid based cytology training for pathologists, screeners and smear- takers will be organised centrally through the NHS Cervical Screening Programme following the NICE review;

(2) who will be responsible for reviewing the requirements for liquid based cytology processing centres in England and Wales following the NICE review.

(3) what plans have been put in place to train staff in preparation for the roll-out of liquid based cytology cervical screening within six months of a positive NICE review;

(4) what additional data relating to liquid based cytology is expected as a result of the English cervical screening pilot trials;

(5) if it is anticipated that every laboratory which wants to offer liquid based cytology screening will be appropriately funded following the NICE review;

(6) when NICE's review of the English pilot trials will be published; and who will be consulted as part of the review;

Photo of Hazel Blears Hazel Blears Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health)

Changing to liquid based cytology (LBC) would be a major change to the way in which the national health service cervical screening programme is delivered. Before any new technology is introduced in the NHS, we must be sure that it is safe and effective, and that quality standards can be maintained.

The evaluation report of the three sites in the English LBC pilot is due in the autumn, and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) will give their decision on its implementation across the NHS cervical screening programme in 2003. As part of this process, NICE will consult all relevant stakeholders including manufacturers, patient and professional groups.

We are discussing with experts in the field, NHS cancer screening programmes and the NHS Purchasing and Supplies Agency how best to introduce LBC if the NICE decision is positive, including training in laboratories and primary care and the potential impact of LBC on laboratory provision.

The evaluation of the pilot will provide data on the effects, costs and practical implications of introducing LBC technology into the NHS cervical screening programme.

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