Derry MLA demands public inquiry into 'profound systemic failures' in cervical screening

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has reiterated her call for a full statutory public inquiry into the cervical screening failures across Northern Ireland, stating that three new reports published today expose 'profound systemic failings' within the health system.

Ms McLaughlin said: “My thoughts are with all of the women affected by these failures and with their families, who have endured years of fear, uncertainty and retraumatising processes. I want to pay particular tribute to the Ladies with Letters campaign group, who have worked tirelessly and courageously on behalf of women right across the North.

“While these reports focus on the Southern Trust, we know that at least six women in the Western Trust developed cancer after their smear tests were misread. This is not a localised failure or a single-service oversight issue - it is a regional problem that has caused devastating harm. Any response must reflect that reality.

“These reports highlight long-running failures in screening performance, weak governance, inadequate quality assurance and unacceptable treatment of women who sought answers. But instead of providing closure, the Minister has responded by commissioning a review of reports that were already reviewing an earlier review.

“The Minister himself has acknowledged serious flaws in oversight and regulation. These failures led to devastating outcomes for women, and the system has yet to provide clear answers as to how this was allowed to continue. That alone should compel a full statutory public inquiry - not yet another round of internal examination.

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“Women and their families deserve to know exactly what went wrong, who was responsible and how these failures were allowed to continue for so long. Only a full statutory public inquiry can deliver the truth, accountability and confidence that our cervical screening system so desperately needs. Nothing less will do.”