This site is intended for UK healthcare professionals
Medscape UK Univadis Logo
Medscape UK Univadis Logo
News

Bowel screening programme resumes in Scotland

The Bowel Screening Programme in Scotland, which was paused in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, resumed on Monday, 12 October 2020.

The screening programme was suspended in March 2020 after carefully considering the risks, including for individuals asked to attend follow-up investigations, such as colonoscopy appointments.

With the programme resuming, bowel screening kits will be posted out again, and the individuals who had received screening kits before the programme was paused are being asked to complete and return them. Bowel screening colonoscopies have also resumed for individuals whose test results warranted further investigation.

Additional safety initiatives have been implemented, including physical distancing measures for staff and patients, use of personal protective equipment by the staff and staggered appointments.

Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “The temporary pause of adult national screening programmes was one of a series of difficult decisions we have had to make in responding to the impact of COVID-19. The safety of patients and staff will be our priority as we continue to deliver the national screening programmes during and beyond the COVID outbreak."


References


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE