Latest developments in Cervical Check scandal are doing nothing to restore confidence
Reacting to the delay in processing Cervical Check smears, Labour Party Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has called on the Minister for Health and the HSE to confirm that all smears carried out since July will be processed as soon as possible.
Deputy Kelly said:
“It is no surprise that there has been a sharp increase in those getting checked and re-checked for cervical cancer. The advice given by the HSE earlier this year was if you were unsure about your Cervical Check results, then you should get re-checked.
“The facts cannot be ignored, the cases of Vicky Phelan and Emma Mhic Mhathúna caused many women get themselves re-checked. The rise in demand should have been expected by the HSE and mechanisms should have been put in place to deal with this demand.
“It is unacceptable that 110 smears test could not be read in July because of this backlog. This type of carry on does nothing to help restore confidence in Cervical Check.
“Today the women of Ireland have been let down yet again because of this controversy. We know slides are expiring because of the backlog; Dr Scally’s Report that was due to be published tomorrow has been pushed back to some unknown date in September and now it has been revealed more cases could now end up in Court because Judge Meehan’s group has not met yet.
“All these deadlines are being missed and promises to women who are suffering are being broken and yet nobody is holding their hands up and taking responsibility and moving to restore confidence in what is rapidly becoming a broken system.
“This constant moving of the goal posts in this Cervical Check scandal is descending into farce and women’s lives are at risk. It’s time for the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health to take meaningful action.”