Update
The Labour Party's called for the management of the Cervical Check programme to be removed.
It follows Health Minister Simon Harris' call for management to consider their position.
Meanwhile, free tests are being arranged for women who've had CervicalCheck smear tests and whose GP feels further testing would provide reassurance.
Have heard from many women today who have had smear tests & would like a repeat test to reassure them. Am arranging for this facility to be available & the State will meet the cost of the repeat test. Arrangements on how this will operate will be outlined next week
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 28, 2018
The Department of Health says the Health Minister has asked CervicalCheck to make the necessary arrangements - details of which will be confirmed next week.
CervicalCheck's helpline is up and running following an earlier technical glitch.
Callers were having difficulty getting through to the new helpline this morning, which was set up in light of over 200 screening errors with the national programme.
Health Minister Simon Harris tweeted to say the glitch "was the last thing anyone needed".
Technical glitch fixed. CervicalCheck helpline now open. 1800 45 45 55.
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 28, 2018
The HSE issued the following statement this afternoon:
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People trying to call CervicalCheck's new helpline this morning have been unable to get through due to a technical glitch.
The helpline launched at 9am and was set up in light of over 200 screening errors with the national programme.
The Department of Health says it's working to fix the issue as soon as possible.
Cervical Screening Helpline open from 9am this morning - 1800 45 45 55. Senior team meeting again this morning to review progress on actions put in place
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 28, 2018
People have been reacting on social media to the glitch:
@SimonHarrisTD need to check that Simon. I have tried 3 times this morning and I am getting that the offices are closed and to ring back Monday. Pure example of public sector inefficiency
— Ursula jennings (@Ursulaj69887974) April 28, 2018
It’s not open. Answering machine says not back till Monday
— Kirsten Finegan (@babygirlkirst) April 28, 2018
18 mins past. Still not open. Have you tried the line?? . A lot of worried women out there.
— Ursula jennings (@Ursulaj69887974) April 28, 2018
The National Women's Council of Ireland says it's vital that women have confidence in screening programme and it's welcomed the decision to call an independent review.
Director Orla O'Connor says failures have been brought into the spotlight by the efforts of terminally ill Limerick woman, Vicky Phelan and lessons must be learnt.
