BBC News Online: Health

Screening labs in 'crisis'

The MSF surveyed NHS trusts across the country

The Manufacturing, Science and Finance Union (MSF) was highlighting its own survey of heads of pathology departments.

Up to 76% of those questioned had experienced specific recruitment problems in the last 12 months. A total of 65% predicted that the situation would get worse over the next year.

The MSF survey follows the latest screening scandal in which more than 1,000 women at risk of cervical cancer are being recalled by St George's Hospital in South London for further tests.

An inquiry said mistakes may have been made in the hospital's screening and treatment process - at least one woman is known to have died of cervical cancer after being given the all-clear by the service.

Supermarket pay

The union said the government had to address the issue of low pay.

"A qualified cytology screener earns from just £9,626," Roger Kline, MSF national secretary for health, said.

"It really is time they received salaries that recognise their skills, and the importance of the service, and enable laboratories to recruit and retain staff."

He said staff could earn more with less stress working at a supermarket.

The survey covered 178 NHS trusts in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and received 63 replies from heads of pathology.

Staff dedication

Health Secretary Frank Dobson said restoring public confidence in the cytology service was a "top priority" for the government. He has criticised the MSF union for suggesting that the service is in crisis.

"Claims that the screening programme is in crisis do a disservice to the hard work and dedication of the thousands of cytoscreeners and clinicians who have made it such a success."

He said the government had introduced "sweeping changes" to improve the service and an update on how those measures were working would be delivered by the Cervical Screening Action Team later this month.

"The Action Team's report will also consider what action should be taken to address staff resource issues for the screening programme nationally.

"We recognise there are recruitment problems in some areas and that staff morale is low," he added.