Some smear test scientists investigated over screening
A small number of biomedical scientists are being investigated following fitness to practise concerns relating to cervical screening in the Southern Trust, BBC News NI understands.
In October 2023, it emerged smear tests of more than 17,000 women in the trust would be re-checked as part of a review dating back to 2008.
It is understood that some of the women affected have since referred the matter to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) which investigates concerns about the practice of a professional on its register.
Stella McLoughlin from Newry, who is one of the 17,500 women affected by the re-check, said the review process has left her feeling “very afraid, fragile, and angry”.
Following news that other women in her position have referred the matter to the HCPC, she said there needs to be an investigation.
"I don't know why they're calling it a review because to me this is a scandal. This has affected so many women," she said.
Source: BBC News, 11 July 2024