23/07/2025
Alliance MLA Demands Cervical Screening Public Inquiry
Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Michelle Guy has strongly criticised the revelation of new data showing widespread cervical screening underperformance across all health trusts in Northern Ireland. She asserts that a statutory public inquiry is the only way to restore public trust in the vital service.
The data, released by the Public Health Agency, indicates multiple incidents of cervical screening underperformance from every trust. This investigation was initiated in response to the cervical screening scandal in the Southern Trust last year, which tragically saw at least two women die and eight others develop cancer after their tests were misread.
Ms Guy stated: "The revelation of this data is harrowing and highlights a profound breakdown in patient care. Following the discovery of the shocking scandal in the Southern Trust, this development reinforces questions about the efficacy of the cervical screening process and how it was allowed to reach this point."
Expressing serious concerns, Ms Guy added: "Many concerns exist regarding how our trusts are dealing with screener underperformance and what is being done to correct this."
She stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation: "We urgently need a statutory public inquiry to scrutinise and investigate the errors that have been made to ensure no more women go undiagnosed and their lives are put at risk. The Health Minister must take urgent action to address this. Cervical screening saves lives and we must rebuild public trust in this essential service."
The Alliance Party has been a vocal advocate for systemic change following concerns raised about the cervical screening programme's effectiveness and oversight.
The data, released by the Public Health Agency, indicates multiple incidents of cervical screening underperformance from every trust. This investigation was initiated in response to the cervical screening scandal in the Southern Trust last year, which tragically saw at least two women die and eight others develop cancer after their tests were misread.
Expressing serious concerns, Ms Guy added: "Many concerns exist regarding how our trusts are dealing with screener underperformance and what is being done to correct this."
She stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation: "We urgently need a statutory public inquiry to scrutinise and investigate the errors that have been made to ensure no more women go undiagnosed and their lives are put at risk. The Health Minister must take urgent action to address this. Cervical screening saves lives and we must rebuild public trust in this essential service."
The Alliance Party has been a vocal advocate for systemic change following concerns raised about the cervical screening programme's effectiveness and oversight.
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