Tánaiste Apologises To Limerick Woman For Failings In Cervical Cancer Check

Photo © Clare FM

The Tánaiste’s apologised to Vicky Phelan and her family for the failings in informing her about a review of her cervical cancer check.

The 43 year old, who’s now terminally ill, settled her case yesterday, after being wrongly given the all clear as part of the HSE Cervical Check programme.

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Vicky Phelan was incorrectly told in 2011 that the result of a smear test she underwent as part of the National Screening Programme showed no abnormalities.

Three years later, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and despite beating it into remission, it returned stronger than ever last year and she’s now terminal.

Her case against the US lab that tested her sample has been settled for 2.5 million euro.

Speaking in the Dáil this lunchtime, Tanaiste Simon Coveney apologised to her for the failings in her care.

Mrs Phelan wants an inquiry into the National Cervical Screening Programme, and in the wake of her case concerns have emerged about the care of 15 other women.

But one prominent Clare doctor is pleading with women to not lose faith in CervicalCheck and other screening programmes.

The HSE has also come out in defence of CervicalCheck.

The organisation has expressed confidence in the programme, saying it has good quality and review systems in place.

Dr. Jerome Coffey, Head of HSE screening services, explains the possible reasons for the delay in Vicky’s case.

Meanwhile, a Government TD says women must be able to have confidence in the Cervical Check programme.

The Public Accounts Committee will be looking into the matter, and Fine Gael’s Kate O’Connell says it’s a worrying development.