Letters to the Editor: Women failed by Cervical Check do understand what happened

As part of routine screening when I was 25, I had my sample reported as ‘normal’. Shortly after this, my health began to deteriorate and I was experiencing gynaecological symptoms, so my consultant referred me twice more for cervical screening. Three smear tests within two years on a woman in her mid 20s is highly unusual in Ireland, however all samples were reported as ‘normal’.

It was only after I underwent a radical hysterectomy at age 27 in October 2019, the histology report noted changes present in the cervical tissue tested. While this was not the main reason for such a major surgery on a young woman with no children, it was a contributing factor and should have been picked up on the smears performed prior to my surgery.

On my return home to my native Cork after surgery, I was met by a letter from CervicalCheck. They requested I attend for screening as soon as possible. I duly wrote back to them to inform them that my cervix, as well as my womb and ovaries, were now no more.

The arrogance with which Dr Holohan maintains those of us who were failed by CervicalCheck do not understand what happened to us is astonishing. It mirrors the view held previously by men in positions of power, who considered us to be ‘silly women who don’t understand’.

If Dr Holohan is unwilling to accept the findings of the Scally Report and judgments of several high court cases, that is his decision and he is entitled to it. However, he should not have the freedom to express his opinion without being challenged with the facts as outlined by these court cases and Dr Gabriel Scally’s report.

The previous iteration of CervicalCheck (pre 2019) cost some women their lives, it cost families their mothers, sisters, and aunts. Thankfully, it only cost me treatment time. The removal of my reproductive system — while heartbreaking in the extreme — has allowed me to live a relatively normal life, albeit with some ongoing issues. I was lucky.

Finally, let me say that it is of the utmost importance for women to register and present for screening with the programme now that improvements have been made — unfortunately this did not happen in time for those of us who had our smears misread, but I have hope for the lives of the women around me I know it will save.

Jessica Ní Mhaoláin, Dublin 8

Elderly deserve better State care

Regarding Niamh Griffin’s story — ‘Emily’ report: ‘Highly probable’ more elderly women were abused by nursing home worker (Irish Examiner, September 22) — I am not one bit surprised that something like this could happen.

The outsourcing of care, for profit, for our vulnerable elderly people means corners will inevitably be cut. The State should hang its head in abject shame.

In my own experience, the nursing home where our mother was cared for, failed a Hiqa inspection for infection control in July 2020 (four months into covid) and had four staff working there that were not garda vetted.

The Emily story would make you think the worst sometimes. Our hearts go out to her family and any family hurt by this.

Shame on the State for not providing a world class care system for the people who built up the country.

Eamonn Brady, Phibsboro, Dublin 7

Faithful assertion

In my estimation, the greatest gift to mankind is Martin Luther’s inspired assertion: “It is by faith and not through works that we are saved.”

Pat Manton, Bishopstown, Cork