TD for Kildare South, Fiona O’Loughlin TD has expressed her concerns over the recent cervical screening controversy that has seen over 200 women being impacted by possible false results.
Vickey Phelan has been the voice that has stood up and highlighted the false results as she is one of those ladies directly impacted by this scandal.
Deputy O’Loughlin says, “There are many questions that need answering by the HSE and the Minister for Health, Simon Harris over the handling of the errors in women’s smears. It is completely unacceptable that women affected by these screening errors continue to be left in the dark”.
“Last night in the Dáil we heard from the Minister that more than the initial number of 208 women may be affected by cervical cancer. This is outrageous- the women of Ireland and the people of Ireland have been failed by our healthcare system and for many it is too late for apologies”.
“Many women I have spoken to in Kildare have said the helpline is not being answered, messages are not being picked up and cases where people were told they’d get a call back have not yet received a return call. It should be first priority to ensure the helpline is running effectively and providing assurance for those concerned about their own smear checks”.
O’Loughlin concluded, “It is essential that women still continue to have smear tests when called and for anyone concerned about their past smears, take up the free smear being provided through all of this national scandal.