More women are going to be contacted about the CervicalCheck controversy, the HSE has said.
Director General of the HSE, John Connaghan, said today that the number of women affected by the controversy will likely rise beyond 209.
Speaking at the Public Accounts Committee, he said that there are 46 cases still being audited, with 12 close to being finished.
RTE reports that the women will be informed of the audits first.
This comes after the HSE said that they would compensate those affected "an immediate ex gratia" payment of
€2000.
The next-of-kin of those who have already passed away will also receive the payment.
Minister for Health Simon Harris listed the recommendations of the Scally Inquiry during the week.
They read:
- The Provision of a more comprehensive guide to the CervicalCheck screening programme online.
- That the information statements provided to women about the limitations of the tests should be more explicit about the possible reasons why screening might miss abnormalities.
- That the information for women accompanying the consent form should guarantee that they will have full and open access to their cervical screening record on request.
Of the inquiry, Harris said:
"Dr Scally has assured me that he will continue to provide reports as they are completed so that we can continue to provide answers as soon as they are established."
The HSE are contacting any women affected by phone, address, or email.
