28 September 2000 Media Statement

Bunkle welcomes decision

Alliance health spokesperson Hon Phillida Bunkle has welcomed news that six laboratories involved in a 1994 Ministry of Health smear reading reporting rates study, will be identified.

"I am delighted that the Ombudsman has ordered the Ministry to make the information public. This is an important step towards identifying whether issues with Gisborne's cervical screening problems were mirrored elsewhere."

The Inquiry head Ailsa Duffy QC revealed today that the information would be released by the Ministry next week.

"But the release of this information must not end there," Ms Bunkle said. "There is more recent statistical information which points to other laboratories having signs of performing below acceptable levels. This is the information that I believe needs to come out. Not only must it be made public, but the women who have had their slides re-read, from at least two other laboratories, must be informed.

"The areas of particular concern have to be the laboratories where there have been high incidences of invasive cancer and a low level of reported abnormalities."

ENDS

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