Media Release

3 July 2003

Cervical Screening Programme A Mess

New Zealand First women’s affairs spokesperson Barbara Stewart says women should be outraged that the Government is fobbing off an international expert’s criticisms of our cervical screening programme.

The report completed by Scottish pathologist Euphemia McGoogan has uncovered serious flaws within New Zealand’s cervical screening programme including the failure by the Ministry of Health to thoroughly investigate the medical histories of women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer.

“Annette King’s typically blasé response gives women absolutely no assurance that having a smear will potentially save their life, said Mrs Stewart.

“What was the point of the Gisborne inquiry if we see more woman die needlessly.

“The women of New Zealand need an assurance that this Minister will take immediate action to fix this mess,” said Mrs Stewart

ENDS

© Scoop Media