Antrim Hospital recalls women for smear tests

In a statement the Trust said: “These women have been contacted. This is very much a precautionary measure designed to provide assurances regarding the quality of our service.

We are contacting 71 women today and can advise that the Trust has set up additional clinics this week.

Dr Ken Lowry, Medical Director of the Northern Trust explained, “Any woman who has not heard directly from us by tomorrow should be reassured and need take no action.

“I understand this may cause some anxiety however I would like to empahsise that this is a precautionary measure designed to reassure women who use our services.

“We have also established an advice line which will be opened on Tuesday 9 June from 5.00pm – 11.00pm. The advice line will remain open Monday to Friday from 9.00am – 5.00pm until Tuesday 16 June. The advice line number is 028 9442 4804.”

East Londonderry MLA Claire Sugden has said she is ‘disappointed’ with the news.

“I am disappointed that an error has occurred whereby 71 women are being recalled to have a smear test, following their attendance at the specialist colposcopy service at Antrim Hospital.

“Any women who are not contacted directly should be reassured that they do not need to take any further action. However, I would encourage any women who have concerns, or who would like more information, to contact the Northern Trust.

“An advice line has been opened from Tuesday 9 June from 5.00pm – 11.00pm and will remain open Monday to Friday from 9.00am – 5.00pm until Tuesday 16 June. The advice line number is 028 9442 4804.”