Cervical Screening Scandal
In October 2023 the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) announced that it was undertaking a precautionary review of the cervical screening results of 17,543 women screened within the Trust between 2008-2021. This review took place after significant concerns around the accuracy of the cervical screening process in Northern Ireland were raised.
The review has revealed that eight women whose smear tests were misread by Trust screeners went on to develop cancer and a further 11 women’s slides were found to have pre-cancerous cells present and had to receive treatment. The review fails to provide answers on what errors were made, why they were made and how they were missed for such a prolonged period of time.
It is believed that the issue is much wider than the SHSCT with reports made from women across Northern Ireland who have had misread smears in other Healthcare Trusts.
Our clients Ladies with Letters are campaigning and call upon the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to establish an independent statutory Inquiry to fully investigate the systemic failures of the Trust.
It is vital that anyone impacted by the cervical screening scandal get the answers the deserve. A Statutory Inquiry is the most appropriate forum to investigate this matter.
What is an Inquiry?
The purpose of an Inquiry is to investigate particular events that have public concern. An Inquiry sets out to establish:
What went wrong
What decisions went wrong and what went right
Key lessons to prevent reoccurrence in the future
If you or your family have been impacted by the issues raised by the cervical screening scandal and wish to get in contact with a member of our team please fill in this questionnaire. If you would prefer to speak to a member of our team directly, please do not hesitate to contact us on 028 8772 2102.