Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
342. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if women who find their cervical smear tests were misread and have now been diagnosed with cancer can avail of the care package being provided to the 221 women whose smears were audited by CervicalCheck; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2429/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the particular circumstances arising from the non-disclosure of the results of clinical audit, the Government decided on 11 May 2018 to put in place a comprehensive package of support measures for women (and their families) who have been identified as having been diagnosed with cervical cancer since 2008, for whom cytology review recommendations following clinical audit differed from the original test, and for any other women so identified by the clinical review to be undertaken by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).
The provision of supports to women and families is continuing, and the HSE reports that the number of supports being provided continues to increase on a weekly basis in response to requests. Arrangements are in place to reimburse, on receipt of claims, a range of costs that the women and their families may incur, including travel costs, childcare costs and medical appointment costs among others. In addition, measures have been put in place to ensure that retrospective costs are reimbursed, while an automatic review system is in place to simplify and streamline the claims process to ensure prompt payment of all items covered by the Government decision. To date, just over €1.18m has been reimbursed in respect of various health and social care costs, almost €910,000 of which relates to retrospective payments. In addition, some 693 medical cards have been issued as part of the supports package, while women are also being supported in accessing certain drugs, the costs of which are also being met by the HSE.
