Woman with terminal cervical cancer settles case against HSE and US lab

A 54-year-old woman with terminal cervical cancer settled a High Court action against the HSE and a US laboratory over alleged misinterpretation of smear tests. The woman, whose identity is protected, has incurable Stage Four cervical cancer. The case involved five smear tests taken between 2011 and 2018.

Her counsel informed the court that the case was resolved through mediation. The settlement with the HSE and Quest Diagnostics Incorporated does not admit liability. The High Court managed the case due to the woman's diagnosis.

In the proceedings, it was claimed that delays led to loss of cure opportunity, severely impaired life expectancy, and catastrophic damage to her quality of life. The cancer allegedly developed and spread undetected until diagnosed in late 2024.

The woman had smear tests under the CervicalCheck programme, with abnormalities detected in some results. Had these tests been correctly reported, a different care approach could have been taken, potentially preventing the cancer's advancement.

All claims were denied. The settlement was welcomed by Mr Justice Paul Coffey.