A culture change throughout the HSE has been deemed vital by the Clare’s Independent TD, in the wake of the Cervical Check controversy.
Dr Michael Harty’s been reacting to the Scally report, which found serious gaps in the way the screening services are governed.
Dr Gabriel Scally, who examined why more than 200 women had their smear tests read incorrectly, found the current disclosure policy in the health service is contradictory and unsatisfactory.
The treatment of the women concerned has been described as ‘industrial misogyny’, and caused increased levels of hurt to those affected.
In his report published yesterday, he made 50 recommendations to be implemented as soon as possible and has called on the Government to review this in three months time.
In the coming weeks, Dr Scally will appear before the Oireachtas Health Committee, which is chaired by Clare Independent TD Dr Michael Harty.
Dr Harty believes issues surrounding governance and culture need to be tackled.
Calls have been made for a commission of investigation into the scandal, but Dr Scally has said he doesn’t think this is necessary.
This view has been echoed by Clare member of the HSE’s Regional Health Forum West, Barefield Independent Councillor Ann Norton.
She believes there’s a cover up culture within the Health Service and she says she’s not convined the findings of the Scally report will change that.
But other calls are being made for a further probe
Labour’s Alan Kelly says ‘some form of investigation’ is needed while Fianna Fáil’s Stephen Donnelly says the women affected should be given time to consider the report and IF they still have further questions – THEN launch a commission of investigation.
