Long-term solution required

That commitment was far from clear in July when, out of the blue, the screening programme was stopped and 150 islanders had their appointments abruptly cancelled.

Using the rather obscure explanation that a 'lack of capacity' was to blame, Health sought to calm concern by insisting that patients referred by GPs and emergency cases would still get the test.

As those people were, by definition, already showing worrying symptoms it seemed the benefits of early intervention were being lost.

Health's promise in July that it was fully behind the screening and just needed time to find the right gastroenterologist was undermined by years of foot-dragging, dithering and reversals by previous boards.

Two months later and the new committee appears little nearer to finding a long-term solution. The stopgap measure offered by The Aberdeen Clinic should do the job – although Health critic Mike Hadley has some concerns – but given the drawn-out history of the affair there is a need for certainty and a settled service.

Only once that is achieved can reliable statistics be collated and the long-term medical and financial benefits of an established screening service be appreciated.

Health may have released some of the pressure with the decision to revive the programme but critics will not yet be satisfied.

That includes Mr Hadley, a man who may have lost his political seat as a deputy and board member but retains his single-minded passion for the benefits of screening.

To some extent, he is now preaching to a converted choir. Unlike their predecessors, Health & Social Care want to make this happen.

But there is still some way to go before either critic or board can rest on their laurels.