LW joins NWCI to voice anger over breast cancer services

Issued : Tuesday 4 December, 2007

Labour Women joined National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) to voice women's anger at the state's inadequate breast cancer services. Women gathered outside the Dail to send a message to the decision-makers : women want a health service that works, and works for all.

The event had been prompted by the recent series of misdiagnosis in Portlaoise hospital where dozens of women had to be re-examined to establish whether they actually were cancer-free or not.

Furthermore, women are frustrated at the fact that Breast Check still isn't available nationwide. Screening is the best way to detect breast cancer in time, and remains the most effective way to check as many women as possible. Where a woman lives can still determine whether her breast cancer is detected or not.

This gathering was about more than that, though. Women were not only asking for accountability for the recent breast cancer scandal, but asked for a complete re-think of our health service. 'Health is our wealth, show us the money!' was the call to invest in health service. 'Single tier, right here!' was to demand a health service that treats all the patients equally regardless of their ability to pay. This is exactly what the Labour Party wants.