Case Study
Cian O’Carroll Solicitors represented the family of Julie O’Reilly, who died aged 60 after her cervical smear slides were repeatedly and negligently misread under the CervicalCheck programme. Despite multiple tests between 2009 and 2013 showing abnormalities, each was reported as negative, delaying her diagnosis until 2017 when her cancer had already spread.
Julie endured a painful illness before her death in 2018. The case against the HSE and her GP was settled through mediation. The substantial settlement remains confidential, but the court approved the division of the statutory solatium payment which formed part of the overall terms.
Julie’s family, who had shared a lifetime together in Ireland, London, and Spain, now hope her case highlights the continuing importance of accurate screening, early investigation of symptoms, and patient safety.