Women affected by cervical cancer screening issues 'need voices heard'

Northern Ireland needs to find a formal channel to give women affected by the cervical screening review at the Southern Health Trust a chance to have their voices heard.

The DUP's Diane Dodds said it was vital that the 17,500 women, including those who developed cancer and the families of those who died, know their experiences count.

She was speaking as health officials provided an update on the cervical review to the Northern Ireland Assembly's health committee.

The chair of Stormont's Health Committee said the cervical screening review, especially around the underperformance of screeners, proves that Northern Ireland should introduce a duty of candour.

Sinn Féin's Liz Kimmins said there was a responsibility on all staff, who were working at the time, to have raised concerns over the underperformance of four screeners.

She said that she remains "shocked" that their underperformance went unchecked for 14 years and asked the Public Health Agency why alarm bells did not ring a lot sooner.

The health committee heard there are currently three external reports ongoing into what happened at the Southern Health Trust.

The trust's medical director, Dr Steve Austin, said looking back things appear obvious and should have been picked up but that they were not obvious at the time.

The Public Health Agency said the data it received from the trust was wide-ranging but did not reflect individual workers.

Eleven women in the Southern Health Trust, whose cervical smear slides were found to have pre-cancerous changes, are continuing with treatment.

However BBC News NI understands that none have gone on to develop cancer.

The trust's acting chief executive again apologised to all the women affected.

Colm McCafferty said the review was essential for building trust and confidence in the cervical screening programme.

He again acknowledged the failings that had been identified.