Hui for women affected by the misread smears

20 January 2000 Media release from counsel assisting the Cervical Screening Inquiry

Hui for women affected by the misreading of abnormal cervical smears

A HUI to give women a further opportunity to discuss issues and procedures related to the Cervical Screening Inquiry set up following the misreading of smears in Gisborne is to be held in Tokomaru Bay next week.

Hanne Janes, one of two counsel assisting the inquiry, said the hui would be held at Pakirikiri Marae at Tokomaru Bay on January 27, starting at 10am.

"Inquiry team members wanted to make themselves accessible in an environment where affected women felt able to speak freely," Ms Janes said.

The hui will provide an opportunity for women to discuss issues relating to the misreading of smears in the Gisborne region, and how they can participate in the work of the Inquiry. It will also cover procedure for the formal hearings which begin in Auckland on 7 February. The hui, which is open to all women, is not a formal hearing of evidence.

The hui will also provide an opportunity for the Tairawhiti community to hear an update from the Health Funding Authority on the rereading of smears.

Ms Janes said although media were welcome to attend the hui they would be subject to some restrictions to protect any women who did not wish to be identified.

The formal hearings of the Inquiry will start at 10am on February 7 at Level Four, KPMG Centre, 9 Princess St, Auckland City.

The Inquiry has also set up an 0800 number to assist women affected to make contact. The number is 0800 942 266. It will be staffed during normal office hours from February 1.

Contact details for the inquiry team from 1 February will be

Location: Level 4, KPMG Building, 9 Princess St, Auckland City Mailing address: P O Box 1371, Shortland St, Auckland Telephone: 09 309 4236 Facsimile: 09 309 4254

The Inquiry Team is Ailsa Duffy QC, Dr Gordon Wright and Mrs Druis Barrett.

For more information contact: Royden Hindle/Hanne Janes Counsel assisting Tel 09 377 7958/09 336 1933

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