To ask the Minister of Health what action is being taken to ensure GP surgeries are properly resourced to provide smear tests in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.

As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cervical Screening Programme was paused from mid-March until 29 June 2020.

On 19 June 2020, the Public Health Agency (PHA) wrote to all GP practices in Northern Ireland to advise that there would be a restoration of the Cervical Screening Programme. This was to follow a phased, prioritised approach in order to ensure that the service was not overwhelmed and was restarted in a controlled manner.

Following this staged restart, the invitations to participate in the programme are now being sent out at a pre-pause level. The PHA are monitoring the service including any contingency that would be required if COVID-19 numbers increase significantly.

GP practices have access to up to date guidance on COVID-19 infection prevention and control and can order any required supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for those who are performing smear tests from the Business Services Organisation. Contact details for the relevant team at the PHA have also been provided to GP practices should they have any queries regarding the cervical screening programme.

It is vitally important that anyone who is experiencing any of the symptoms associated with early stage cervical cancer should contact their doctor rather than waiting for a screening test.