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CervicalCheck support group call for advocates to be reimbursed

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5 months ago

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CervicalCheck support group call for advocates to be reimbursed

From left, patient advocate Lyn Fenton with Dr Elaine Kinsella, associate professor in psychology and chartered organisational psychologist at UL, and Caoimhe O’Neill-Forde from Galway at the launch of the 221+ Patient Representative and Organisational impact report. Photo: Andres Poveda

The Government has been called on to reimburse expenses of patient representatives involved in various areas of health support, to recognise their value and encourage participation.

The call has come from the 221+ patient support group, which was set up for women and families directly affected by the CervicalCheck controversy that came to light in 2018, through the late Vicky Phelan.

A report commissioned by the group found that “women’s concern about sharing a cervical cancer diagnosis was related to perceived judgments and potential accusations of sexual promiscuity”. It also aimed to document and assess the work of the group so far, and examine how it might develop into the future.

Women surveyed credited 221+ with creating a greater openness in relation to women’s health. It was seen as providing a “lifeline” to patients.

The report makes several recommendations, including expanding services to represent all women impacted by cervical cancer.

Ceara Martin, manager of the group, said it was time for the Government to follow through on its commitment to provide some reimbursement or compensation for patient representatives.​

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