HSE chief attempts to mend relations after ‘hurtful’ remarks by CervicalCheck boss

HSE boss Paul Reid has moved to repair relations with women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy after “hurtful” remarks by the head of the screening programme were leaked.

CervicalCheck clinical director Dr Nóirín Russell apologised at the weekend for “inconsiderate and hurtful” comments about women making claims against the service.

Dr Russell suggested some women were using the Government-established tribunal for claims against CervicalCheck to “get some money” and claimed women with stage one cancer “probably know in [their] heart and soul that [they] haven’t been wronged”.

[ CervicalCheck chief sorry for comments about women making claims against service ]

Her assertions were made during an hour-long video conversation with Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín in December 2020. Extracts from a transcript were published in the Sunday Times yesterday.

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Mr Reid said Dr Russell’s apology was sincere, necessary and appropriate, adding that: “I know she will work hard to regain trust that has been lost.”

The HSE chief executive, who steps down next month, said he wanted to work with women affected by the controversy in order to “reset and strengthen the relationship”.

Dr Russell said she fully accepts the remarks she made almost two years ago were “careless and hurtful to women. I am sorry for the impression the remarks give because they do not reflect my view.”

Her remarks were condemned as “shocking” and “shameful” by individual women and family members caught up in the controversy. “How can any woman have trust in CervicalCheck when this is the attitude of the clinical director,” asked Lorraine Walsh, a prominent patient advocate since the controversy over the screening service erupted in 2018.

[ Paul Reid defends decision to leave HSE chief executive post early ]

The 221+ Group, which represents women affected by the controversy, described the remarks as “scarcely believable” and said members were being “re-traumatised”.

“It is consistent with what we have heard and felt over the past two years and it’s a relief that the public can now see the attitudes behind closed doors that we have been dealing with.”

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly described commentary that added to the distress of affected women as “very regrettable”.

“These comments do not represent the work of Dr Russell or the CervicalCheck programme. The Minister understands Dr Russell has written a public apology to the 221+ group and hopes the work to build and enhance trust in the programme continues.”

According to Dr Russell, the conversation with Mr Tóibín was private and she was not aware she was being recorded.

Asked for a copy of the transcript, Mr Tóibín said there may be a “difficulty” with releasing it. Asked whether he had told Dr Russell he was recording the conversation, or that a transcript would be released, he had not replied by last night.