Northern Ireland

Emma Mhic Mhathúna, cervical cancer screening crisis campaigner, dies in Co Kerry

Mother-of-five Emma Mhic Mhathúna (37) who has died after being given an incorrect cervical smear test result. Picture via RTÉ
Mother-of-five Emma Mhic Mhathúna (37) who has died after being given an incorrect cervical smear test result. Picture via RTÉ Mother-of-five Emma Mhic Mhathúna (37) who has died after being given an incorrect cervical smear test result. Picture via RTÉ

ONE of the central figures in the Republic's cervical cancer screening crisis, Emma Mhic Mhathúna, has died in Co Kerry.

The 37-year-old mother-of-five children, she settled her case against the HSE and the US laboratory, Quest Diagnostics in May for €7.5 million after developing terminal cancer.

Quest admitted to misreading two cervical smear slides in 2010 and 2013 and the HSE admitted liability for not disclosing the findings of the CervicalCheck audit.

Ms Mhic Mhathúna, who was a leading campaigner for openness over the crisis, wanted all of her settlement paid into court for the benefit of her five children.

RTÉ News reported she "had been admitted to University Hospital Kerry in recent days and that she passed away there" on Sunday morning.

President Michael D Higgins paid tribute, saying he "was greatly struck by her poise and bravery, in the midst of what was a very difficult time for her family and friends".