Women in Clare who are awaiting GP appointments for smear tests in the wake of the CervicalCheck scandal are being urged to remain patient.
The HSE’s latest report shows so far over five thousand calls have been returned to women who reached out to its helpline, set up in light of the cervical check controversy, but GP’s have also been seeing a surge in demand as Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill reports:
As the fall-out from the CervicalCheck scandal continues, some family doctors are warning of increased waiting times for all patietns as they respond to a surge in concerned women presenting at their clinics.
203 women who’s Cervical Check audit showed their test could have provided a different result have been contacted by the HSE, out of a total of 209 women affected by the controversy.
The HSE’s latest report shows so far 5,849 calls have been returned to women and that meetings have either been held or arranged with the affected women to discuss the audit.
Shannon-based GP, Dr Yvonne Williams, says they’re also seeing a surge in demand, but she says they may have to wait.
Now, there’s a call for further clarity over the laboratories used for cervical screening tests.
Fianna Fail deputy Marc MacSharry says questions need to be answered about the use of third party testing facilities to clear backlogs.
He wants to know if it happens, how it works, and whether the Health Minister knows about it.
Meanwhile, the controversy has led a former Independent TD for Clare to call for a snap general election.
Ennis Councillor James Breen insists it’s impossible for the public to have confidence in the government after the handling of Tony O’Brien’s resignation from the HSE last week.
