The Upper Bann MLA said, “The Minister’s announcement that the PHA’s Quality Assurance processes will be peer reviewed by NHS England is welcome, as is the detailed analysis of the findings of the Cervical Cytology Review Outcomes Report.
We should never forget that 17,500 women were affected by these failures, with 8 of those women developing cancer and two who have sadly passed away. Confidence in the process has been severely undermined and there is a real need for accountability and for lessons to be learned. I would hope that the measures announced today can help bring forward lessons that must be learned.
Whilst these steps are welcome, it is unlikely that they will uncover the full truth about what happened. A full public inquiry would not only help ensure that happened, but would also ensure that victims have the opportunity to speak, to be heard and to directly receive the answers they deserve.”