To ask the Minister for Health the number of biopsy tests relative to cancer that were submitted to the laboratory at UHW for analysis from hospitals located in counties Kilkenny, Tipperary and Waterford in the period from 5eptember 2022 to January 2023; if all of the patients concerned were informed of their biopsy histology results within the optimum timeframe; If he will confirm the protocols and waiting times applied to such tests; if he is satisfied that the laboratory at UHW Is fully compliant in this regard; and If he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The Health Service Executive has been requested to reply directly to you in the context of the above Parliamentary Question, which you submitted to the Minister for Health for response. I have examined the matter and the following outlines the position.
I can confirm that the backlog in the reporting of histopathology specimens at University Hospital Waterford relates to the reporting of routine samples between September 2022 and February 2023. It remains a priority for UHW to process all urgent samples without delay.
Any specimen suspected of cancer or where there is a known diagnosis of cancer is marked as urgent. All cancer and other urgent specimens are prioritised and reported in a timely manner compliant with defined turnaround times. These are monitored and reported to the National Quality Improvement Scheme in Pathology as well as to the National Cancer Control Programmes.
I trust the above is satisfactory but if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.