221+ group offers support for women like Vicky Phelan who were failed by CervicalCheck

Vicky Phelan worked closely with survivor Lorraine Walsh and widowed Stephen Teap to set up the 221+ group for people affected by the scandal, writes Shauna Bowers

(Centre, left to right) Lorraine Walsh, Stephen Teap, and Vicky Phelan, surrounded by some of the 221 cervical cancer patients who received an incorrect smear test, leaving the Dáil in October 2019 after hearing the Taoiseach apologise to the victims of the CervicalCheck. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

As the news of the CervicalCheck scandal emerged, more and more women discovered they had received incorrect smear test results. There was an urgent need for support.

Three people — Stephen Teap, Lorraine Walsh, and Vicky Phelan — realised they could help, and so 221+ was established in July 2018.