The head of the scoping inquiry into what happened at CervicalCheck has said the ‘fevered atmosphere’ around the situation may affect his investigation.
Dr. Gabriel Scally says key figures are distracted by having to appear before Oireachtas committees.
The Department of Health has released a number of documents relating to the scandal this evening.
Dr. Scally told the Secretary General of the Department of Health he’s met with Vicky Phelan and will shortly be requesting information from the parties involved in the investigation.
But he said to do his work he needs the full attention and co-operation of the key individuals involved in CervicalCheck, the Department of Health and the HSE.
Dr. Scally said he was concerned the ‘fevered atmosphere’ surrounding the scandal may inhibit that.
Records released this evening also reveal that in a note CervicalCheck told doctors to pass on information about the review of smear tests to patients as a general rule of thumb.
But they said doctors could use their own judgement in cases where revealing the the outcome could do more harm than good.
And in cases where a woman had died, the result should simply be recorded in her notes.
The cabinet has also approved this evening the re-establishment of a HSE board in a bid to streamline the management of the health service and offer a greater level of accountability.
