Emma Mhic Mhathúna, the mother-of-five at the centre of the CervicalCheck scandal that saw 221 women given incorrect smear test results, has passed away.
Ms Mhic Mhathúna, 37, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016 after previously receiving two clear smear tests in 2010 and 2013.
US laboratory Quest Diagnostic admitted to misreading the cervical smear slides in 2010 and 2013.
Terminal diagnosis
In May this year, Ms Mhic Mhathúna settled her case against Quest and the HSE for €7.5million, however just weeks earlier she had been told that her cancer was terminal.
(Image: RollingNews.ie)The errors were discovered following an audit of past results from CervicalCheck, the HSE’s smear test service.
It has now been reported that Ms Mhic Mhathúna passed away at University Hospital Kerry this morning having been admitted earlier this week.
'Infectious smile'
In a statement, her family said Ms Mhic Mhathúna was a great mother who helped raise awareness of the issue for others.
“We will miss Emma beyond words, her intellect, her love, her quick wit and infectious smile are irreplaceable to those closest to her in these difficult days,” it said.
“However, we take some comfort in the knowledge that Emma will be long remembered by the thousands of people who have been inspired by her fight for justice, transparency and improved services.”
Very sad to hear of Emma Mhic Mhathúna’s passing. She showed incredible bravery in fighting a terrible disease. Thoughts with her family on this dreadful loss. We must beat this cancer with vaccination & screening. We are determined to build a programme worthy of women like Emma
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) October 7, 2018
Irish President Michael D Higgins said he had been impressed by Ms Mhic Mhathúna’s bravery.
“I was greatly saddened to hear that Emma Mhic Mhathúna has died,” he said.
“When I met her and her children in May, I was greatly struck by her poise and bravery, in the midst of what was a very difficult time for her, her family and friends.
“On behalf of the people of Ireland, I send my condolences to her family, friends, the wider community in West Kerry, and to all those who have shared Ms Mhic Mhathúna’s journey as she battled the disease.”
'Devoted mother'
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described Ms Mhic Mhathúna as ‘an inspiration’.
“Emma faced her illness with a resolve and courage that was an inspiration to all,” she said.
“She spoke out so that other women would not suffer as she had.
Emma Mhic Mhathúna with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald (Image: RollingNews.ie)“Emma was a warm, talented woman and a devoted mother.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Emma’s children Natasha, Seamus, Mario, Oisin and Donnacha, and her extended family.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Very sad news today. Emma Mhic Mhathúna's bravery in the face of so much tragedy has inspired many people. Her legacy and strength will impact on cancer healthcare for the better. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and 5 children. Rest In Peace.
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) October 7, 2018
The Irish Cancer Society extended its sympathies to Ms Mhic Mhathúna’s family, adding: “Through her honesty she became a hugely influential advocate for women’s health, and an inspiration to so many.
“Ms Mhic Mhathúna’s important efforts in highlighting the HPV vaccine will mean fewer women will have to go through a terrible disease which has taken her life all too soon.
“Through vaccination and the best possible screening programme for women, we can potentially eliminate cervical cancer in Ireland within a generation.
“As part of Ms Mhic Mhathúna’s legacy, we must all now strive to do all we can to make this a reality.”
'Immense bravery'
Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland, said Ms Mhic Mhathúna’s campaigning had been instrumental in exposing the scandal.
“We express our deepest condolences to Emma Mhic Mhathúna’s family and friends,” she said.
Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Emma Mhic Mhathúna , my sympathies go to all her family particularly her five young children. Her bravery and honesty will not be forgotten and will inspire generations to come.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 7, 2018
“We commend her immense bravery and courage in speaking out about the way she was treated and campaigning for a better screening service for all women.
“Her testimony has been instrumental in bringing to light the serious and inexcusable shortcomings in the treatment of women as part of the Cervical Check scandal.”
Details of Ms Mhic Mhathúna’s funeral will be released in the coming days.
