Ms Lorraine Walsh:

On the last day I was in the Department of Health, I brought up my concerns and I was told that the HSE's system was going to cover it. I said that women were contacting me at the time and telling me that they were receiving reports that were inaccurate and I asked: "When this goes wrong who will they blame? They will blame the HSE". In fact, of all people in this situation the HSE has put a huge effort into getting this right. It worked closely with the clinicians to ensure women were treated properly. It listened to us on how women should receive disclosure. Instead of telling them how they would receive the disclosure, it offered them options as to how it would be most appropriate to disclose to them, be that a letter or a meeting. I was told in the Department that they did not like my tone. I was shot down. It was not the first time. We have had tough days in the Department of Health previously. I have been reduced to tears many times in the Department. It was a tough spot. Notwithstanding the fact that it has been an emotional 18 months, it has been life changing for us and that has an impact as well. Funnily enough, the people in the HSE never made me feel like that.