Women's smear test action begins
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THREE WOMEN who contracted cervical cancer after the smear test scandal at Kent and Canterbury Hospital started their High Court action yesterday.
They are suing East Kent Health Authority for negligence, saying they developed cervical cancer after wrongful diagnosis of smear tests by the hospital's screening service.
Helen Palmer, 36, from Whitstable, Sandra Penney, 35, from Ramsgate, and Lesley Cannon, 39, from Sheerness, all needed radical hysterectomies.
It is the first such case to come before the High Court. It is being heard by Judge Peppitt at Canterbury and is expected to last seven days.
In 1996 a toal of 91,000 smears had to be rechecked. A later inquiry revealed that up to eight women may have died as a result of poor standards at the unit.
Kent and Canterbury Hospital has refused to compensate the three women in the case. It denies liability.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments