British experts to test hospital’s cancer screening

A GROUP of medical experts from Britain will put Ennis Hospital under the microscope to ensure it meets all the best clinical standards for the introduction of a new life-saving colorectal cancer screening unit.

Ennis is one of the 15 candidate hospitals selected by the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) to carry out colorectal cancer screening.

Appointed by the NCSS, the British-based Joint Advisory Group is planning to visit Ennis as part of the stringent accreditation assessment in November or December.

The group hopes to have two hospitals completed by the end of the year with the remainder finished in the first half of 2012.

If given a clean bill of health, it is anticipated that between 10 and 12 colorectal procedures would be completed weekly in Ennis Hospital next summer, which would significantly reduce travel and waiting times for patients in the mid-west.

One of the significant aspects of colorectal cancer screening is that it can detect pre-cancerous adenomas and is regarded as a true cancer preventative health measure.

In Ireland, colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second most common fatal cancer among both men and women.

Using the register of electors, men and women in the west between the ages of 60 and 69 will be offered a free home-testing kit — known as a FIT test — and if further examination is needed, they will be referred for a screening programme colonoscopy at one of 15 units nationwide, including Ennis.

According to the HSE, approximately 94%-95% of people who take part in the programme will receive a normal FIT test result and will be offered another home testing kit in a further two years.

In order to achieve confirmed status as a screening colonoscopy unit, Ennis Hospital will be required to demonstrate sufficient capacity, reduce waiting times for all endoscopy procedures, adhere to clinical performance targets and quality standards and will need to meet all of the strict accreditation requirements.