Labour says speedier delivery of results will reduce worry

Labour has promised to ensure women receive their cervical smear test results within seven days rather than seven weeks if they win the election.

Health Secretary John Reid said new technology, staff training and more hospital labs would ensure extra speed.

The government says results will also be available by e-mail, text or telephone, as well as in writing.

Tories said they too are committed to quicker test results and NHS reforms "which Labour have failed to do".

'Reduce worry'

Mr Reid said training, technology and more labs would also help ensure NHS patients start treatment within 18 weeks of seeing a doctor.

He said: "Getting test results in a week will reduce worry for the vast majority of women who get the all-clear and will ensure speedy access to treatment for those who need it.

"Labour's plans are for all patients in the NHS - with equal access to treatment based on clinical need, not based on the ability to pay.

"In contrast, the Tories pledge to abolish any initiatives to speed up patient treatment. Their health policy is to divert £1.2 billion from the NHS to subsidise the wealthy few who already pay to go private."

'Rattled by polls'

Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "John Reid is now resorting to nothing more than lies and abuse about the Conservative party.

"We are committed to improving the NHS. Make no mistake - we will make the changes and introduce the reforms which Labour have failed to do.

"We will give the NHS frontline staff and resources and we will introduce the new technologies which are available to decrease the wait for results.

"Labour are rattled by polls that show that they can no longer take for granted that the public believe their health policies will work".

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