The findings are contained in two reports provided to the Minister by Dr Gabriel Scally, a report he has completed on one of the terms of reference and a progress report. One of the notable recommendations is the provision of an immediate ex gratia payment of €2,000 to each woman involved in the CervicalCheck scandal and to the next of kin of the deceased.
Other recommendations include a process which will be commenced to hold structured conversations with each of the women affected by the CervicalCheck issues. A provision of a more comprehensive guide to the CervicalCheck screening programme online should be available.
The information statements provided to women about the limitations of the tests should be more explicit about the possible reasons why screening might miss abnormalities that are present as these can result in the development of cervical cancer.
Moreover, the information for women accompanying the consent form should guarantee that they will have full and open access to their cervical screening record on request. Open disclosure of all the details will take place should there be a problem or error of any significance with the screening or reporting process.
Mnister Simon Harris said:“Following the approval of Government, I am making arrangements for the ex-gratia payment as recommended by Dr Scally. This payment relates to addressing any financial obstacles women might encounter in having their voices heard as part of his work. It would not be a bar to further payment in due course. I have also requested Dr Scally to identify arrangements that he could put in place as part of his inquiry to undertake the process of structured conversations.
“It should be noted that Dr Scally found that the provision of information to women in Ireland who take part in our screening service is comparable with that available elsewhere and in some respects, is better. He also found that the process of completing a consent form at the time of screening is a major strength of the Irish programme.
“However, he does make a number of important recommendations to improve the information provided to women, including strengthening the statements on the limitations of screening. I will immediately ask the HSE to implement the four recommendations related to this.
“When we set up this Inquiry I was very clear about the need to examine the facts and get answers quickly for Irish women, while also identifying issues that may merit a further full statutory investigation. I’m very pleased that Dr Scally’s work is progressing and he has already come to me with a list of recommendations which will improve the information provided to women who take part in our screening service and help support those who wish to participate in the Scally process. Dr Scally has assured me that he will continue to provide reports as they are completed so that we can continue to provide answers as soon as they are established.”
<br /><span>Both reports are available on the Department of Health website: </span><a href=”https://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/scoping-inquiry-into-the-cervicalcheck-screening-programme/” target=”_blank”><span>https://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/scoping-inquiry-into-the-cervicalcheck-screening-programme/</span></a><span> </span>
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