Bottrill says cervical cancer report is 'fair'

3.15 pm

Dr Michael Bottrill, the former Gisborne pathologist at the centre cervical cancer inquiry, has responded to the report released today by the three-women inquiry panel.

The report laid the blame for the medical scandal with Dr Bottrill, politicians and health administrators.

Dr Bottrill said in a statement:

"I received the Committee of Inquiry's report yesterday and am taking time to reflect on it. My clear impressions are that the Committee has conducted a searching inquiry and that the report covers the evidence the Committee received comprehensively. The report contains various comments and conclusions and recommendations and I believe that they are fair.

"In the course of the inquiry, I have expressed my sorrow and regrets to all those who suffered after relying on my reports. I wish to repeat my sorrow and regret now that the report is published."

"I hope that this report will result in the appropriate action needed to benefit the health of all the women who have been part of the cervical screening programme or will in the future be involved in that programme."

The Medical Council, the organisation responsible for doctors' competence, believes the report will improve the health system for women.

"System issues have been thoroughly highlighted, as much as the individual accountability of Dr Bottrill," said president Dr Tony Baird.

The New Zealand Medical Association have said they were pleased the inquiry was not a "witch-hunt", and that it focused on the core issues.

"While the report states that cytology services at Gisborne laboratory were clearly inadequate, of more significance were the flaws in the national programme's systems and processes which led to women being falsely reassured about their health," said chairman Dr John Adams.

Dr Adams said the report contains lessons which apply to elements fo health service well outside the cervical screening programme.

Full report of the Inquiry