The family of a woman who died from cervical cancer after a smear test was said to have been misread has joined calls for a public inquiry into Northern Ireland's cervical screening service. Louise Corbett Gibbons was 24 when she died in 2008.
Louise was a patient of the Belfast Health Trust before her death according to the BBC. She and Neville Gibbons had been together for eight years and married one week after she was told she had about a month to live. She died three weeks after their wedding.
Her family said they later learned that a smear test taken in June 2007 had been misread. They were also told she would have died anyway but her widower said the family could not accept that explanation.
The family is seeking answers and supporting calls for a public inquiry into cervical screening services.
Louise’s case is not part of the cervical screening scandal involving the Southern Health Trust. However her family has joined the Ladies with Letters campaign because of concerns that screening problems may not have been limited to one health trust.
Tracey Bell who is part of the campaign group said they plan to meet with Health Minister Robbie Butler next month. The group hopes that the minister will take their concerns seriously and understand how this case could not be considered closed.
The Southern Trust scandal led to about 17,500 women being contacted to have their smear tests reviewed. Campaigners are seeking an investigation into whether similar problems occurred elsewhere in Northern Ireland.
Louise’s death has deeply affected those who knew her including members of her family. Her widower said the Southern Trust screening scandal brought back difficult memories of her illness and death.
The Belfast Health Trust has been contacted by BBC News NI for comment. Louise’s family and campaigners continue to press for greater scrutiny of Northern Ireland's cervical screening service.
The upcoming meeting with Health Minister Robbie Butler is seen as a key step in the campaign. Bell said the group hopes he will listen carefully to women and families affected by screening problems.
Her family continues to seek answers in the wake of her death.