Motion no: 49
The Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme made fifty recommendations to be implemented in light of the failures highlighted by the scandal.
A Review in March 2019 by the report’s author Dr Gabriel Scally noted that the “deeply flawed” open disclosure policy that existed prior to the scandal remains in place despite the Scally investigation recommendation that the HSE open disclosure policy and guidance be revised in line with the Report recommendations as a matter of urgency.
This Conference calls on the ICTU Executive Council:
• To support the implementation of a full disclosure policy whereby women - as patients - have the right to full knowledge about their health care, as and when they wish and most particularly, the right to be informed about any failings in that care process as soon as health staff are so aware, as recommended by the Scally Report.
• To lobby for the cessation of outsourcing of the cervical smear testing to out-of-Ireland jurisdictions and support Irish based laboratories – preferably public – to handle the screening tests.
• To lobby Government to recommence the offer to have an expedited or early free second test – with results available within a short timescale – for women who may be worried or concerned.
• To lobby Government to adequately resource the screening programme with the necessary medical staff and administrative supports to deliver a quality service to Irish women.
