SIPTU representatives have called on members to participate in a ‘day of action’ tomorrow (Wednesday, 30th May) organised by the Standing4Women campaign in solidarity with the 209 women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal. The ‘day of action’ will include events in communities across the country including a protest at 5.00 p.m. at Leinster House, Dublin 2. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “After five weeks of scandal after scandal the CervicalCheck controversy has touched every community in the country. It is clear that the women of Ireland have been let down badly by the State in relation to this situation. Many have had to endure weeks of distress while they wait for the much publicised financial support promised to them by the Government. This is unacceptable. They need and deserve immediate action.” He added: “At a minimum, mandatory open disclosure needs to be introduced before the summer recess of Dáil Éireann to begin the process of restoring a degree of public faith in the system. Disclosure should not only apply to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals but to the top officials of the HSE and the Department of Health.” SIPTU member, Rosie Condra, said: “As one of the 209 women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal, I feel deeply let down by the system. I feel not only have I been mistreated and ignored but also my pain and hurt is being trivialised as if I were just a number.” She added: “Each and every one of the 209 women has a name, has a family and has a life. We need disclosure, support and most of all to be listened to. I am calling on the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, to stop talking about me and talk to me instead.”
SIPTU calls on members to participate in a day of action on CervicalCheck scandal
