Women caught up in cervical scandal should have medical costs covered

Issued : Wednesday 2 May, 2018

Labour spokesperson on Health, Alan Kelly TD, has said the State must ensure that the full medical costs are covered for all women with cervical cancer who have been caught up in the scandal.

Deputy Kelly said:

“There is no doubt that these women have been let down badly by the State, and if it wasn't for the bravery of Vicky Phelan, we would still likely be in the dark about the true extent of this scandal.

“We now know that of the 3,000 women who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer since 2008, just 1,482 have had their cases referred to CervicalCheck and been audited. This means a shocking 1,518 of these cases have still not been audited.

“What is imperative now is that the State immediately identifies which cases may have included missed diagnoses, and that these women are contacted straight away.

“It is also absolutely vital that each and every woman who has been diagnosed with cervical cancer and has been caught up in this scandal, past, present and future, has their medical costs covered by the State; this is the very least that we can do.

“These women, some of whom have already sadly passed away, are already going through enough worry and concern with their personal diagnoses and treatment without being further burdened with the stress of the revelations of the past two weeks and the added cost of treatment.

“Financial issues should not be a concern for these women, and the State must step up to the plate to alleviate some of this burden and ensure they have the best healthcare available, with every cost covered, including any legacy costs that may arise as a result of this scandal.

“We have an opportunity now to show the women of Ireland that their healthcare is a priority, and that they deserve so much better than has been afforded them to this point.”