It's now been revealed that 208 women were involved in the review of the cervical screening programme, and that 17 have since died.
Today FM reporter Juliette Gash explained that of the patients who were involved, 162 were not told that they had cancer, and 175 patients could have benefited from earlier treatment. She also stated that 17 women have died from the group of 208, although a cause of death for these women has not been confirmed by the HSE.
Management consultant Dr. Eddie Molloy said the prospect of a review to establish international best practice is "one of the things that's really depressing."
"There are thousands of people in the HSE who know what best practice is, and the question is, why is proven best practice not being implemented in the HSE? Why do we need a scandal like this to say, 'we'd better go and look at best practice'?"
"There's a huge breakdown in management, and I don't believe the time they spend managing, as opposed to dealing with their patients, is monitored."
Senator James Reilly, former Minister for Health, says the situation is "appalling" and that if it weren't for the bravery of Vicky Phelan in taking a High Court case, we wouldn't know about it.
"I really do want to ask people not to give up on this screening service as it has saved lives, but who made decisions not to tell people?"
"It's everyone's concern that our patients are safe. Everyone makes mistakes, but a good system protects the patients against those mistakes, and that clearly has not happened here."
Roger Murray, Head of the Medical Negligence Department at Callan Tansey Solicitors, says that although the full facts are not yet known, "some facts are clear: 175 women could have had a different clinical outcome. Over three quarters were not told, and I think there can be no justification for withholding information."
"I think we're at a watershed moment when it comes to patient safety in this country. We need to look at how the resources are used, and we need to put the patients first."
To catch the full chat press the play button on the image on the top of the screen
