Ulster Unionist Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie has responded to today’s publication of Professor Sir Frank Atherton’s report into issues relating to the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme.

Doug Beattie MLA said:

“Today will be an incredibly difficult and emotional day for many women and families across the Southern Trust area. For years, they have carried the pain, anxiety and trauma associated with concerns surrounding the cervical screening programme.

“I want to pay tribute to every woman, every family member and every campaigner who refused to let this issue disappear from public view. The Ladies with Letters group, in particular, have shown extraordinary courage and dignity throughout what has been a relentless campaign.

“The report published today makes clear that there were serious governance and management failings within the system. It is impossible to read these findings without recognising that public trust was badly damaged.

“I also want to acknowledge the efforts of Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Professor Sir Frank Atherton. The Minister took the concerns of families seriously from the outset. Over the last number of years there have been many steps carried out, multiple investigations conducted, and reports published. Sir Frank’s latest report is detailed, balanced and candid in its assessment of what went wrong and the lessons that now must be learned.

“As a local MLA, I have consistently supported calls for a statutory public inquiry, as have local councillors Kate Evans and Julie Flaherty. Therefore, I am disappointed that one will not now proceed. I know many of the women and families affected will feel frustrated and even angry with that decision.

“However, having considered the findings and conclusions of Sir Frank’s report, I can understand why the Minister has ultimately reached his position. Core questions of why it happened, who was responsible and what can be done to avoid it happening in the future were asked and Sir Frank’s report has provided responses to the Minister on those.

“That does not remove the responsibility on our health system to rebuild trust, to ensure accountability and to guarantee that the recommendations arising from these reports are fully implemented.

“For many families, this report regrettably does not deliver the outcome of a full statutory public inquiry that they had hoped for. My thoughts remain firmly with every woman and every family who has been impacted.”