The number of staff manning the CervicalCheck helpline

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Health the number of staff manning the CervicalCheck helpline; his views on whether this is the necessary number of staff to deal with the level of calls to the helpline; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

A helpline has been in operation since Friday and has dealt with over 10,000 calls.  After some initial problems, calls are now being answered speedily.

I have also arranged for an additional 40 public health staff to provide timely health information and reassurance to women arising from their calls.