PATIENT SUPPORT REPS MAY BE COMPENSATED

THE Department of Health is exploring the possibility of offering payment to CervicalCheck patient support group representatives, due to the work they are foregoing to help those affected by the scandal.

Lorraine Walsh and Stephen Teap are both on the CervicalCheck steering committee, following recommendations from the Scally inquiry and have been spearheading change in the HSE and getting supports for the women caught up in the controversy.

Their voluntary work has taken a toll on their normal working lives with Ms Walsh, who is selfemployed, working weekends and Mr Teap having to cut his hours to a four-day week.

When asked about the possibility of payment for the patient advocates, a Department of Health spokeswoman said: ‘This issue is currently being considered by the Department.