CervicalCheck campaigner Ruth Morrissey dies at 39-years
Mrs Morrissey was among hundreds of women impacted by the controversy around incorrect smear test results.
The issue affecting the CervicalCheck national screening programme saw women receive all clear smear results when in fact a different result warning of cancer should have been flagged.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMrs Morrissey, from Monaleen in Co Limerick, was initially diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014.
She was not told until 2018 that two smear tests she had undergone through the screening programme in 2009 and 2012 were reported incorrectly.
She sued the Health Service Executive (HSE) and two laboratories and was awarded 2.1 million euro in damages at Dublin’s High Court.
The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, led the tributes.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“So many people across Ireland will have learned with great sadness of the passing of Ruth Morrissey,” he said.
“Ruth Morrissey’s tremendous courage in an arduous campaign for truth and justice leaves a legacy of courage for all Irish people, and for those campaigning for women’s right to healthcare in particular.
“Sabina and I send our sincere condolences to her husband Paul, their daughter, her family and friends, and to all those who have shared Mrs Morrissey’s journey.”
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he was deeply saddened by her death.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Ruth was a brave, courageous woman who worked tirelessly for others and for future generations of women in this country,” he said.
“She was generous of spirit and had the interests of others at heart.
“I wish to extend my sympathies to her husband Paul, her daughter Libby, her family and friends.
“May she rest in peace.”
Fellow campaigner Vicky Phelan, whose case first brought the controversy to light, paid tribute.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Ruth was one of the strongest women I know, and also one of the most positive,” she wrote on Twitter.
“I never once saw her without a smile on her face and I saw her when she was very ill.
“My thoughts today are with Ruth’s husband Paul and their beautiful daughter Libby who Ruth adored.”
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWith the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.
Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit www.newsletter.co.uk now to sign up.
Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.
Thank you,
Alistair Bushe
Editor