FAQs

• I’m one of the 221 women or next of kin identified by the HSE through the original audit process or the RCOG review. How do I join the group or get access to the private portal?

  To join the group, you’ll need to submit the Enrolment Consent Form provided to you by your Liaison Officer.  Once you are enrolled in the group, you can gain access to the portal by clicking on ‘Registration Request’ on the 221+ website homepage and filling out a brief a form. Once your eligibility is verified, you’ll receive an email with a link to complete your registration.

• I have cervical cancer, but I haven’t been identified by the HSE as being directly affected by failures in the CervicalCheck screening programme. Can I still register with the group?

  Unfortunately, we are currently only set-up to the support the individuals identified by the HSE as being directly affected by the CervicalCheck failures.

  Additional information and support for women with cervical cancer can be found through the Irish Cancer Society and the Marie Keating Foundation.

• I don’t have cervical cancer but I believe I’m the victim of medical negligence. Can you help me?

  If you believe you’re the victim of medical negligence, you can begin by reporting a complaint to the Irish Medical Council.

  Unfortunately, the 221+ Patient Support Group does not provide legal advice or guidance to members of the group or the public. You will need to contact a local solicitor to discuss your unique circumstances or case.

• I was diagnosed with cervical cancer after April 2018. Are my previous smear tests done through CervicalCheck being reviewed?

  If you developed cervical cancer after screening you can request a personal cervical screening review from the HSE National Screening Service.  You can request a review if you have cervical cancer and:

  • had a CervicalCheck screening test in the 10 years before your diagnosis
  • have not had a previous review related to the CervicalCheck programme, for example, a CervicalCheck audit review or a Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) review

  More information about what to expect from a screening review is available on hse.ie/cervicalcheck or call 1800 45 45 55

  To request a review, you can contact the National Screening Service by email or post:

  Email: review.request@screeningservice.ie

  Post: National Screening Service, King’s Inns House, 200 Parnell St, Freepost FDN7612, Dublin 1, DO1 A3Y8

• I have questions about my smear test history. Who should I contact?

  Please contact your GP or treating clinician with any questions regarding your medical history.

• I’m worried about the accuracy of smear tests. Should I still get one?

  Yes! Smear tests are proven to save lives and we encourage all women to continue screening according to the recommendations provided by your GP or consultant.

• I would like to donate to or support 221+ in some way. How can I do this?

  221+ does not accept donations. We would suggest donating to the Marie Keating Foundation or the Irish Cancer Society, who do incredible work supporting people with cancer, or any other trusted cancer charity of your preference.

  You can help spread our message by encouraging your friends and family to get the HPV vaccine if available to them via the HSE Laura Brennan HPV vaccine catch up scheme or buy purchasing it through your GP/Boots, attend cervical screening when invited and most of all to be active participants in their own healthcare – never be afraid to ask questions, for explanations or for records about your own body and health.

  Make sure your details are up to date on the CervicalCheck register if resident in Ireland, or the equivalent abroad.