Urgent Inquiry Demanded in NI Assembly Over Misread Smear Tests

UPDATE: A significant motion addressing the misread smear tests will be raised in the Northern Ireland Assembly later today, November 3, 2025. The Alliance Party is set to propose an urgent inquiry into the cervical screening scandal that has affected over 17,500 women in the Southern Health Trust area.

This comes as a campaign group, formed in response to the mismanagement of smear test results, has threatened to escalate their demands for a statutory public inquiry to the UK Government if necessary. The call for action highlights a growing frustration over the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the investigation into this critical health issue.

Tara Griffiths, representing the campaigners, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating that lives have already been impacted due to delays in addressing the failures of the cervical screening program. Today’s motion will express concern over the slow pace of investigations by the Department of Health and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, which have been criticized for insufficient communication with affected women.

“For some patients, the review was too late and lives were affected by this failure,”

the motion reads. It pays tribute to the Ladies with Letters campaigners who have tirelessly fought for transparency and justice in the wake of this scandal.

As part of the motion, there are calls for the Minister of Health to establish a statutory public inquiry that would seek to uncover the full truth and ensure such failures do not occur again. The campaigners are also demanding urgent clarification regarding ongoing technical issues at Northern Ireland’s only laboratory for HPV screening, located at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. Since September 30, 2025, thousands of smear tests have been redirected to England for screening, raising concerns about additional delays and distress for affected women.

With reports on the situation expected to be published later this week, the pressure is mounting for decisive action. The Assembly motion aims not only to address past failures but also to prevent future health crises in Northern Ireland’s healthcare system.

Watch for updates on this developing story as the Assembly convenes and the motion is presented. The implications of today’s discussions could have lasting impacts on patient care and accountability within the health service.