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Final CervicalCheck report to highlight need for system of open disclosure

Vicky Phelan fought hard for a system of mandatory open disclosure.
Michael Staines
Michael Staines

08.15 23 Nov 2022


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Final CervicalCheck report to...

Final CervicalCheck report to highlight need for system of open disclosure

Michael Staines
Michael Staines

08.15 23 Nov 2022


Share this article


The final CervicalCheck progress report will be published today.

The CervicalCheck review, carried out by Dr Gabriel Scally in 2018, made nearly 60 recommendations with 170 actions.

He will today outline how many of those have been carried out in the years since.

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The initial scoping inquiry found more than 200 women weren't informed of abnormalities found in their smear test results during the 'look-back' audit.

Many have since died from cervical cancer, including Vicky Phelan who brought the scandal to light.

Open disclosure

One of the most important calls in the Scally report was for an urgent revision of the HSE’s open disclosure policy.

The report found that there was “no compelling requirement” for doctors to tell patients when mistakes had been made, noting that decisions on disclosure were “left up to their personal and professional judgment”.

It said a new policy must be put in place that ensures patients have a right to “have full knowledge about their healthcare as and when they so wish and, in particular, their right to be informed about any failings in that care process, however and whenever they may arise”.

Vicky

Vicky Phelan campaigned hard for the principle of full disclosure before her death and earlier this month, the Taoiseach said her passion on the issue had placed it “front and centre”.

Today’s progress report is expected to include an update on the issue.

Separately Ms Phelan’s family have invited members of the public to celebration of her life in Kilkenny this Sunday.

The event in her native Mooncoin will give people a chance to celebrate her life and pay their final respects.

Ms Phelan’s funeral was held in private last week.


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CervicalCheck Gabriel Scally Health Hospitals Hse Open Disclosure Vicky Phelan

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