Question reference: S5W-35672
- Asked by: Claire Baker, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 2 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 5 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements are in place to address the reported backlog in appointments for cervical screening, and whether a priority system is being used in scheduling these.
Answer
The cervical screening programme was paused on 30 March 2020 due to the impact of Covid and resumed on the 30 June 2020. During July and August 2020, participants who receive more frequent screening because of a past result and who had not received their invitation or reminder due to the pause in screening were prioritised and sent their invitations first.
From September 2020 invitations began being issued for routine appointments. The programme continues to face challenges as a direct result of Covid-19. However diagnosing and treating cancer early remains a priority. The Scottish Government has provided just under £1 million to support capacity in sample-taking and colposcopy. This was agreed following extensive consultation with Health Boards and primary care.