Key Summary
- Health minister Nesbitt published a report on failings in Northern Ireland’s Cervical Screening Programme.
- An expert review found serious issues but acknowledged that major improvements have been made.
- Women are urged to attend cervical screening, which remains a vital, life‑saving programme.
Northern Ireland health minister Mike Nesbitt has released a summary report addressing concerns about the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme.
In November, he appointed Professor Sir Frank Atherton, former Chief Medical Officer for Wales, to lead an independent review of cervical cytology services provided by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) between January 2008 and October 2021.
In a statement, Nesbitt expressed regret for the impact on women and families affected by cervical cancer.
He acknowledged that mistakes occurred within the screening pathway and confirmed that the report has been shared with many of those affected and is now available online.
The minister thanked Atherton for his work and highlighted that he had asked him to meet with the Ladies with Letters Group to hear their concerns before finalising the review’s scope.
In his report, Atherton acknowledged that significant improvements have been made to the current Cervical Screening Programme.
They include an important change to screening which is now based on primary-HPV testing and the reconfiguration of laboratory services to improve oversight.
Nesbitt said that Atherton has advocated against a statutory public inquiry as it is unlikely to yield further clarity.
The Minister accepted this view, saying the key questions - what happened, why, who was responsible, and what has changed - have been addressed as far as possible.
He acknowledged that this decision may disappoint some but stressed that lessons have been learned and improvements to the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme will continue.
The Minister confirmed that all recommendations to improve accountability and quality assurance have either been implemented or are underway, and he has instructed officials to ensure every recommendation from Atherton and earlier reports is fully acted on.
Atherton said, “I hope this summary report helps to explain the historic failures in the Cervical Screening Programme delivered by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, and provides reassurance that the changes which have been made will ensure delivery of a safe, effective service for women in Northern Ireland in the future.”
