MLAs stand with campaigners for public inquiry into cervical screening failures

MLAs have stood with a group of women at Stormont calling for a probe into cervical screening failures.

The Ladies with Letters group are calling for a statutory public inquiry into a major recheck of smear test results in the Southern Health Trust.

Around 17,500 women in the Trust area who were screened between 2008 and 2021 had to have their results rechecked after concerns were first raised in a report commissioned by the Royal College of Pathologists.

It emerged last year that the trust review showed that eight women went on to develop cancer after their smears were misread and another 11 women needed pre-cancerous treatment.

At the time, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the review would be the subject of independent expert analysis after which he would decide on the next steps.

The campaign group met with MLAs at Stormont on Tuesday on the week which marks two years since the 17,500 women impacted received letters advising them that their smear tests were being reviewed.

As part of its ongoing campaign for a public inquiry, the group has also launched a website which provides further information and contact details for those seeking support.

They are asking members of the public to support them by visiting ladieswithletters.co.uk and writing to their elected representatives using the template letter available on the website.

The group has also published an open letter to the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, urging him to establish an inquiry to uncover the truth and reform the system.

Spokesperson Tracey Bell from Banbridge said they believe what happened is one of the most significant healthcare failures in Northern Ireland.

“Beyond these cases that we are aware of so far, we are fearful about the ramifications for women’s health in the future,” she said.

“We believe this scandal represents one of the most significant healthcare failures to occur in Northern Ireland in decades.

“What’s worse is that ladies diagnosed with cervical cancer prior to 2019 will not even have been told if their smear test was read incorrectly – women would have to proactively seek out that information themselves and that has not been widely publicised.

“It is our view that this public health scandal remains a grave and unfolding concern.”

Heather Thompson, a retired nurse from Tandragee, said a full and thorough investigation is needed.

“The Health Minister for Northern Ireland has publicly committed to a Women’s Health Strategy. What better way to demonstrate that commitment than by establishing a statutory public inquiry into these failings?” she said.

“We believe that a full and thorough investigation is essential to uncover the truth and reform the system, so that no woman will face such uncertainty again and to try to restore some faith in the cervical screening programme.”

The campaign has also been backed by >gynaecological cancer charity, The Eve Appeal.

The charity’s chief executive Athena Lamnisos added: “Cervical cancer is the only cancer with an effective screening programme, offering us the opportunity to prevent cancer development or to detect it at the very earliest stage.

“It’s shocking that the quality assurance and other systems within screening, let women down in Northern Ireland – and over such a long period of time.

“As a charity, we fully support transparency and accountability across healthcare.

“This is a patient group who need answers. Undoubtedly, more may develop this disease in the years to come.

“We look forward to the Northern Ireland Minister’s response on this issue.”

The department of health has been contacted for a response.