AT LEAST 20 WOMEN START LEGAL FIGHT AGAINST HSE

AT least 20 women have started legal proceedings to sue the HSE over their false smear test all-clears.

They include three women who found out earlier this year about incorrect results they had been receiving since 2012.

In the meantime, they all contracted cancer and have since had to undergo ‘radical surgery’ to save their lives.

The women also include one who was given wrong smear test results over a four-year period. None of the three false smear tests she undertook revealed the cancer that was later diagnosed by her gynaecologist.

Cork-based solicitor and medical negligence expert Orla Kelly, of Cantillons solicitors, said last night: ‘A number of women have been in touch and up to four of them are considering their [legal] options.

‘But I have one woman on whose behalf we have started proceedings against the HSE. Her cancer is not terminal at this stage.

‘But three opportunities to give her a warning about cancer were missed over a period of four years.’

She added: ‘There will be lots of other women in similar positions.’ Michael Boylan, head of medical negligence at Augustus Cullen Law, said he is representing three women whose cases date back to 2012.

They were all only told earlier this year about the errors.

All of them have had to undergo ‘radical surgery’ and plan to sue the HSE.

‘This is a completely unfolding mess,’ the solicitor said last night.

He added: ‘I would be very surprised if I don’t get more cases as more and more people come forward.’