Written question asked by David Hinchliffe (Labour) on Thursday, 22 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 December 2001. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 3 December 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the average turnaround time is for cervical smear tests within the NHS in the last 12 months for which figures are available. - Including figures. (Holding answer 29 November 2001).

Answer: Mr. Hinchliffe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average turnaround time is for cervical smear tests within the NHS in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [18372] Jacqui Smith: [holding answer 29 November 2001]: Guidance from the national health service cervical screening programme states that women should have to wait no longer than six weeks for the written results of their cervical smear test. Results are sent either by the health authority or by the general practitioner according to local practice. Two thirds of health authorities currently send the results directly. Information on waiting times for screening test results is only available for those areas where the result letters are sent to women by the health authorities. In 2000-01, 60 per cent. of women in these health authorities received their written cervical screening test result within six weeks. 91 per cent. received their written result within 10 weeks{1}. Where the six week target is not achieved, we look to the relevant health authority to address reasons for this. {1} Statistical Bulletin: Cervical Screening Programme, England: 2000-01

Secondary information