Update on Progress on the Implementation of the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme
The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) is currently preparing for the introduction of a national population-based colorectal cancer screening programme, for men and women aged 55 to 74.
This free national programme, scheduled for introduction in mid 2012, will be implemented on a phased basis starting with men and women aged 60-69. Over time the programme will be extended on a phased basis until the full 55-74 age group is reached.
The Screening Test
Eligible men and women who indicate they are willing to take part in the screening programme will be sent a screening test called a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit. This test looks for the presence of blood in the bowel motion. The simple and easy to use test kit will include step-by-step instructions for completing the test at home and sending samples to the laboratory for testing by Freepost.
Approximately 94 to 95 per cent of people will receive a normal test result and will be invited for routine screening again in two years time. Approximately five to six per cent of people will receive an abnormal result and will require an additional test. They will be referred for a screening colonoscopy (an investigation of the lining of the bowel) at a hospital that the NCSS has contracted to provide this service.
Screening Colonoscopy Services
The NCSS is currently focusing on building sufficient capacity in colonoscopy services nationwide to prepare for the introduction of the screening programme, while maintaining and enhancing the capability of the symptomatic service.
The NCSS requested expressions of interest from all publicly funded hospitals that wished to be considered as a screening colonoscopy unit as part of a national programme. Thirty one hospitals in total expressed an interest.
Baseline assessment visits have been conducted by the NCSS in partnership with the representative professional bodies, the Royal Colleges and the NHS National Endoscopy Team who have acted as advisors to the Joint Advisory Group on Gastroenterology (JAG) in the UK.
All 31 baseline visits were completed by 30 September 2010. All hospitals received a follow-up review by 31 December 2010.
Selection of Candidate Screening Colonoscopy Units
The NCSS has made the initial selection of ‘candidate’ screening colonoscopy units. It is important to note that any unit not initially selected may in time be included as a screening colonoscopy unit as part of the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme.
For selected ’candidate’ units, achieving actual screening colonoscopy unit status will be contingent upon ability to demonstrate sufficient capacity, reducing waiting times for all endoscopy procedures, adherence to clinical performance targets, quality standards and meeting accreditation requirements as determined by the NCSS and the programme’s QA Committee during the course of 2011 and 2012.
Other Preparation The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) recently announced the undertaking of a National Programme in GI Endoscopy in collaboration with the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), the NCSS, the Directorate of Quality & Clinical Care (DQCC) and the Department of Health & Children (DOHC).
Contractual Agreements/Memorandum of Understanding
The NCSS will have a contractual arrangement with each of the selected screening colonoscopy units. Units will receive a bundled payment for each colonoscopy carried out on FIT positive individuals that will cover pay costs for multidisciplinary teams including medical and nurse endoscopists, the running costs of endoscopy suites, disposables and pathology. A payment will also be issued to hospitals that perform CT colonographies for the screening programme.
Procurement of FIT Kits
The NCSS will also manage the procurement process of the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) service, including FIT kits, supply, distribution and analysis of the test results. It is anticipated that the procurement will be underway by mid 2011.
Press Release: Initial Selection of Candidate Screening Colonoscopy Units
Report of the International Peer Review Panel on Quality Assurance Standards for the National Colorectal Screening Programme
Download report (PDF 595KB)
National Progress Report on Endoscopy Services
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Implementing Ireland’s
First National Population-based
Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme
Download publication (PDF 115KB)