LISTEN - Western Trust recalls 86 women for repeat cervical smear test

By Gráinne Connolly

The Western Health and Social Care Trust is recalling dozens of women who have undergone cervical smear tests.

It follows a review of a number of cervical smear tests screened and reported at the Trust's Pathology Laboratory between April and June 2018.

It's understood variances in the reporting of some tests were identified during routine performance checks. 

A spokesperson for the trust says a review team was immediately set up, the Public Health Agency and Department of Health were alerted and the review process was initiated. 

A total of 86 women are affected; with 61 being from the Western Trust area, 8 from the Belfast and South Eastern areas and 17 from the Republic of Ireland.

The Western Trust says the women will already have received letters inviting them to contact their GP to arrange a repeat smear test.

Una Cardin, an Assistant Director of Nursing for Cancer and Diagnostic services says the recall is a "precautionary measure" and she understands it may be distressing for some women: 

Ms Cardin confirmed that an investigation is now underway, however wouldn't disclose any further details:

Dr Dermot Hughes, Medical Director of the Western Trust, said: “The women affected will have received letters inviting them to contact their GP to arrange a repeat smear test.

"This does not necessarily mean that the results of their initial test was wrong; the repeat test is a precautionary measure to provide reassurance that all women are being followed up appropriately.

“I understand that this may cause worry and inconvenience for the women affected and I sincerely apologise for this.

"I would like to reassure everyone that the samples that were reviewed were a small percentage of those screened and reported between April 2018 and June 2018.

“The stringent quality checks that are in place have reassured us that it was only a certain number of tests within this timeframe that were required to be re-examined."

The Western Trust has advised the affected women that if they have any concerns or want further information, they should contact the Western Trust’s Laboratory Department on 028 7161 1350, from Tuesday 5 February to Wednesday 13 February between 9am to 5pm.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin Councillor, Caoimhe McKnight has said her party has requested an urgent meeting with the Western Trust following the announcement: 

"For the women involved this will be distressing but I would encourage all of them to contact their GP's to schedule a repeat smear test as soon as possible.

"While the Western Trust have said that this is a precautionary measure it will still cause concern and worry so it is important the affected women do not face undue delay in receiving a repeat test.

"In June 2018 150 women in Belfast and Newtownabbey were also invited to attend for repeat smear test after the Public Health Agency were made aware of concerns identified in April that year.

"As I understand it, the Western Trust’s review of cervical smear tests concerned those in April and June 2018, but it is not clear if there is a connection with what happened in Belfast and Newtownabbey in June and this recent action by the Western Trust.

"Sinn Féin have requested an urgent meeting with the Western Trust and we will be raising these concerns directly with them."