Delay in smear test results ‘unacceptable’
Carla Lockhart MP • September 19, 2023
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health in Northern Ireland to explain what steps will be taken to address unacceptable delays in processing smear test results.
The DUP representative said:
“Like all healthcare issues, time can be vital in addressing problems before they develop into something more serious. Early detection and early intervention is vital to ensuring better outcomes.
It is therefore deeply worrying that we are seeing delays of up to six months for women to receive the result of a smear test. Women are always told to not delay or put off your smear test, and that is the right advice. Equally it is important that having had the test, that results follow in a reasonable and safe period of time.
The Department need to get to grips with this issue. This is not about policy, it is about management of a key service that is vital to protecting women’s health. We need a clear plan of action from the Permanent Secretary as to how this totally unacceptable delay is going to be addressed and a timeframe for improvement to be seen.”
Share
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP, has hit out at DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, following confirmation that Northern Ireland currently has no dedicated bee inspectors in place, leaving all bee health issues routed through a single shared email inbox.
With the 2025 Beef Week campaign underway, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is urging consumers to shop local and safeguard the future of the province’s agri-food sector.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is looking forward to attending Lurgan and District Horse and Cattle Society’s 110 th agricultural show on Saturday, 7 th June.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said the launch of the Blueprint for Bovine TB Eradication in Northern Ireland largely mirrors previous recommendations made by Edwin Poots, but says tough decisions are necessary on effective wildlife control to mitigate against the spread of the disease.
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has issued a strong statement demanding urgent action from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Minister over the worsening state of roads across the constituency, saying the situation has become a growing source of public anger and frustration. While acknowledging the hard work of local DfI staff on the ground, Carla Lockhart said the blame for the crisis lies squarely at the feet of the Minister, who she accuses of failing to prioritise core infrastructure in favour of wasteful spending on “vanity projects.”
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has hit out at DAERA Minister Andrew Muir following confirmation that Northern Ireland currently has no dedicated bee inspectors in place and that all bee health issues are now being routed through a single shared email inbox. In responses to the Upper Bann MP, the Minister admits there is no one solely responsible for bee inspections within the Department, a move Ms Lockhart has labelled “complacent, careless and completely inadequate.”
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed her sincere thanks to all those who contributed to this year’s Big Bucket Collection in aid of the Southern Area Hospice, which raised an impressive £35,078 across Northern Ireland. Despite the ongoing challenges of the cost of living crisis, communities across the country have once again demonstrated incredible generosity in supporting the Hospice’s vital work.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the commencement of long-overdue improvement works to the footpaths in Loughgall village, following years of lobbying on behalf of local residents and community groups.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has encouraged the local community to come out and support Waringstown’s very own Kate Weir as she prepares to launch her debut album The Reason this weekend. The album launch will take place on Saturday 26th April at 7:30pm in Craigavon Civic Centre, featuring special guests LIVE ISSUE, KINGDOM BOUND, WARREN SMYTH, and VICTORIA KENNEDY (SALT). Tickets are £12 and available via Eventbrite, FM Bookshops, or at the door on the night.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the opening of a brand-new coffee shop, Folks, in Banbridge, praising the entrepreneurial spirit and community focus of the two sisters behind the venture. The MP visited the shop, located at 1 The Mall, to meet owners Jennifer and Katie, and to sample some of the freshly brewed coffee and their now locally-loved açaí and granola bowls.