SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
She was speaking after Royal College of Pathologists published its report into the Southern Trust’s cervical screening services from 1 January 2008 and October 2021 which found that eight women whose smear tests were misread by screeners went on to develop cancer.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Having had the pleasure of meeting with some of the incredible women involved in Ladies with Letters campaign, I know first hand how tirelessly they have been campaigning to secure justice for all women who have been affected by misread cervical screenings.
“The report into the Southern Trust is damning. It is now abundantly clear that failure within the trust has destroyed the lives of countless others.
“For 13 years, women were failed by the very system that is meant to protect them.
“Each misread cervical scans represents a women who has gone through the most unimaginable difficulty.
“Their lives turned upside down by inexcusable mistakes. The Ladies with Letters campaign is about getting answers for women and it is time this happens.”
“This scandal is not an isolated incident. Incorrect cervical screening tests represents a series of failings across all Health Trust’s with further reports indicating that the Belfast Trust also had long term trends of screener underperformance.”
“It is clear that the only way those affected can achieve justice is through a public inquiry, similar to that of the Republic of Ireland, which investigates all the failings involved in this across all the Health Trust’s in the North.”
“I have written to the Western Trust today referencing this report and indicating that those in the Western Trust deserve the same support and transparency as those in other areas.
“I have repeatedly said that women’s healthcare in Northern Ireland is not at a good enough standard and the failings of the cervical screenings demonstrates this.”
Tags: