HC Deb 16 May 1995 vol 260 cc225-8W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many women underwent surgical treatment and medical care as a result of the maladministration of the cervical smear programme at the Inverclyde royal hospital, Greenock; what types of surgical operations and treatment were involved; and if he will make a statement. [21613]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 2 May 1995]: Following the re-reading of 1,954 cervical smear slides at Inverclyde royal hospital, 400 women received a result which indicated assessment by colposcopy. Approximately 2,000 additional cervical smear tests were carried out. Some 346 women were assessed for colposcopy in Inverclyde royal hospital. Some 147 had cervical biopsies with associated appropriate treatment of the cervix either in Inverclyde or elsewhere.

The forms of treatment include colposcopy without biopsy, colposcopically directed selective biopsy, cold coagulation and conization of the cervix.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many women have instituted legal proceedings against the Argyll and Clyde health board and the Inverclyde royal hospital, Greenock, as a result of the maladministration of the cervical smear programme at the aforesaid hospital; of such cases, how many have (a) been settled out of court, (b) resulted in court cases and (c) are still waiting a court hearing; what financial compensation has been paid; and if he will make a statement. [21614]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 2 May 1995]: Argyll and Clyde health board has received 105 legal claims as a result of the re-reading of cervical smear slides at Inverclyde royal hospital. Two claims have proceeded to a settlement. A further 10 settlements are in the process of negotiation. Once all the claims have been settled, I will be in a position to give an indication of the total amount of settlements made. No claims have resulted in a court case or are at present awaiting a court hearing.