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Exposing the scandal that's cost me my life

Vicky Phelan on the medical scandal that gave 221 women inaccurate smear test results

In 2011, Vicky Phelan, a mother of two children from Annacrotty, Co. Limerick, went for a smear test. Initially, it showed no abnormalities but in 2014, after noticing some unusual bleeding, she went to her GP and was told she had cervical cancer. Intensive treatment followed and after some months, she was given the all clear. But unfortunately, the cancer returned and she was given just 6-12 months to live. Feeling something was being kept from her, she started looking through her medical files, and in doing so opened up what was to be Ireland's biggest medical scandal. She speaks to Emily Webb about her subsequent legal fight and how she sought justice for herself and other women in Ireland.

Image: Vicky Phelan
Credit: Emily Quinn

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24 minutes

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