Stevenson Backs Parliamentary Call On Genetic Testing Waiting Times

7 July 2006

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Use

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has backed a Parliamentary call for reduced waiting times for receiving the results of genetic tests.

Mr Stevenson’s colleague, Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has tabled a Motion in Parliament on the subject.

Commenting on the issue Mr Stevenson said:

“I thoroughly welcome the report by Breakthrough Breast Cancer, “Testing Times - Waiting for Genetic Test Results” and recognise that there are 3,600 diagnosed cases of breast cancer every year in Scotland, with 180 women developing breast cancer as a result of an inherited DNA defect. However, I am most regretful of the wholly unacceptable current situation where women are forced to wait for up to three years for genetic test results.

“Furthermore, it is disappointing to learn that current procedures mean that those waiting for life-altering test results are not kept up to date with progress. Nevertheless, I am fully supportive of the aims of the report to reduce waiting times for test results to between two and eight weeks, and I call upon the NHS boards to meet the targets set out in the report.”

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