SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan said the response from Health Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly surrounding the implementation of FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) bowel screening in the North of Ireland is encouraging.
The Foyle MLA said: “The correspondence from the Permanent Secretary for Health, Richard Pengelly, surrounding a FIT bowel screening programme for Northern Ireland has been encouraging.
“I had written to Mr Pengelly as a matter of urgency last month, expressing my concerns which were also shared by Bowel Cancer UK CEO Deborah Alsina MBE, that the Department of Health had not yet committed to introducing this life-saving test in Northern Ireland.
“I have received assurances from Mr Pengelly that the Department is considering the proposed switch to FIT and is aware of the benefits and increased accuracy of this test compared to the current FOB test.
“He has assured me that the Public Health Agency are preparing their case for the implementation of FIT here.
“This progress is promising and I would hope the department can now make an informed decision without further delay on this vitally important issue.”
