As further NHS resources dedicated to tackling coronavirus are reallocated, the Scottish Government is to temporarily pause a number of screening programmes.
In practice, this means no additional patients will be invited for screening until further notice.
Results for those who have recently been screened or who have completed and returned home test kits will continue to be processed.
The move means healthcare staff can be re-allocated to support other essential services, including Covid-19 laboratory testing and covering for colleagues who are unwell or self-isolating.
Because members of the public are already choosing not to attend appointments, a structured pause also helps ensure people will not miss their screening altogether.
The paused programmes are as follows:
- Breast screening (mammograms)
- Cervical screening (smear tests)
- Bowel screening (home test kits)
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening (ultrasound of abdomen)
- Diabetic Retinopathy (Eye) screening (images taken of the eye).
Pregnancy and newborn screening programmes, including tests offered during pregnancy and just after birth, will continue where logistically practical.
For further information click here:
https://www.gov.scot/news/health-screening-programmes-paused/