Health Minister Annette King said today women affected by the misreading of cervical smears, and planning to attend the Gisborne Cervical Screening Inquiry, can find out about the availability of childcare through phoning an 0800 number.

Mrs King said some places had been reserved on the YMCA school holiday programme, and a grant of up to $120 per woman was available to assist with child care costs. To qualify, women would have to provide evidence that they had attended the inquiry. Further details are available by phoning 0800 367 8473 during business hours Monday to Friday.

"Arrangements have been finalised to ensure that wherever possible women
attending can do so secure in the knowledge that their children are being
well cared for," Mrs King said. "These arrangements will cater for the needs of preschoolers as well as for some school-age children who are on holiday for the first two weeks the Inquiry Team is hearing submissions in Gisborne."

Mrs King said the arrangements built on the childcare already offered by the
Health Funding Authority, as part of its support package to women affected by the misreading of cervical smears, as well as incorporating provision for
school holidays.

Transport to the Inquiry was being organised by Turanga Health, Ngati Porou
Hauora, and the Public Health Unit, Mrs King said. Women who thought this might help them should contact the providers directly.

"I urge any woman who is presenting a submission and needing childcare to
call the 0800 number and take up this opportunity."

This advice is also being circulated through lawyers representing the women, support groups and all those who have attended public meetings. The same
number will also give women information on transport options. The number, during business hours Monday to Friday, is 0800 367 8473.

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