Findings of review into more than 17,000 women's smear tests published

The findings of a major review into more than 17,000 women's smear tests in the Southern Health Trust have finally been published.

The findings reveal that eight women - if their smear tests had been read correctly - could have been diagnosed and treated earlier.

Another 11 women needed pre-cancerous treatment after their tests were reviewed.

Two women have died.

Campaigners are again calling for a full public statutory enquiry.

On Tuesday, we reported how UTV has also seen evidence of underperformance in another lab from 2013-2023.

Previously, UTV reported how the family of a woman who died from cancer after a misread smear test said there should be criminal consequences.

Lynsey Courtney's parents said that somebody "must be held responsible for the mistake that cost their daughter's life".

A special UTV News investigation uncovered the scandal finding serious failings in cancer care which saw people wrongly given 'all-clear' screening results and left with the incurable disease.

Today, upon completion of the Cervical Cytology Review, Dr Stephen Austin, Southern Trust Medical Director, said: “The Cervical Cytology Review Outcomes report shows that, for the vast majority of the women included in the review, their original result did not change.

"The purpose of the review was to check that the original result provided was correct and to identify anyone who may have been given an incorrect result. While it is reassuring that the vast majority of previous smear results have been reconfirmed as normal, the review has identified eleven women who are now receiving follow up care from our gynaecology services.“We acknowledge that the failings in the cervical cytology laboratory extended beyond individual staff members and included system failings.

"The Southern Trust and PHA are committed to ensuring these failures never happen again.“I wish to sincerely apologise again to women and their families for any distress caused by this Review process and the publication of the outcomes report. I really hope that women will have been reassured that either their original result was accurate or that they are receiving appropriate care where that has been required.”Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “This has undoubtedly been a worrying time for many of the almost 17,500 women affected by the review.

"This is one reason why it was so important to undertake such a comprehensive and detailed review. We also wanted to take extra care to ensure the result women received was correct so they got the follow up care required. I am very sorry for any distress or worry caused by this review.

"I would like to thank colleagues in laboratories across Northern Ireland who worked so diligently to help us complete the review in as timely a manner as possible.“In parallel with the review being undertaken there have been important improvements to the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme.

"The primary HPV method of cervical screening is now in place in Northern Ireland, which has increased our ability to detect early cell changes that could lead to cancer.

"Cervical screening saves lives and it is essential that women continue to attend when they are invited. Our screening programme is very effective and the improvements put in place in the last year will make the programme better at finding women with abnormalities which put them at risk of going on to develop cervical cancer.

"But we will only find these abnormalities in women who attend for screening. I ask all women who are invited to attend for cervical screening to please attend. It could save your life.”

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