Diane Dodds said:
“The findings of the review into cervical screening at the Southern Trust are deeply concerning, and will no doubt be deeply upsetting for those impacted by this scandal. It is heart-breaking that eight women whose smear tests were misread later developed cancer, two of whom have tragically passed away and who will not be with their families this Christmas. It is a very personal tragedy for these families that the review found that if their tests had been read correctly, they could have been diagnosed and treated earlier.
These women and their families have suffered a great injustice, and my thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time. That 17,000 women have had to have their smear tests rechecked has caused widespread fear and anxiety among those affected. The emotional and physical impact of this error is significant and whilst some answers have been given, the question of accountability and public confidence in those managing these processes must be addressed.
It is of deep concern that on an almost weekly basis now we have examples of shocking mismanagement with our local Health Trusts and yet no one seems to be held accountable. The Royal College of Pathology report found a "persistent failure " to tackle underperformance by some cervical screening staff. Those with oversight must be held to account, yet what we have here is a Trust examining itself. On a matter of such seriousness, a public inquiry is needed to establish the full truth and provide recommendations that restore confidence.
I commend the Ladies with Letter campaign group for their tireless work to advance this issue and to seek some form of redress for those who have paid such a huge price for the failings of the Trust. This scandal highlights the urgent need for lessons to be learned. Women’s health services must be held to the highest standards to ensure that this never happens again. We must ensure that women can have full confidence in cervical screening processes and know that their health is in safe hands.”