Patient anger at cancer scandal offer

The interim head of screening at the National Screening Service has written to women caught up in the CervicalCheck scandal outlining what they can expect if they sign up to an ex gratia scheme — but patient representatives said the main reaction was one of disappointment.

In her letter to 221 women, or to their estates in cases where the women have died, Frances McNamara says that while the process “is not intended to be adversarial”, women who wish to consult a solicitor can avail of an allowance of €1,500 plus VAT, payable on a vouched basis.