Ruth Morrissey Death | Obituary – Ruth Morrissey age 39 sadly passed away after losing a battle to cervical cancer,
The 39-year-old Limerick mother passed away yesterday morning with her husband by her side, under the care of the staff at Milford Hospice.
In a statement issued through her solicitor Cian O’Carroll, Mr. Morrissey criticized the “broken promise of a Taoiseach who said no other woman impacted by the CervicalCheck scandal would have to go to court”.
He said, “despite the magnitude of the harm caused to her by avoidable errors”, his wife was used as a legal “test case through the final years and months of her life”.
Last night, a spokesperson for former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said in response the new Tánaiste “extends his sympathy to the family and friends of Ruth Morrissey on her passing”. They said: “As Taoiseach, he gave a formal State apology to all women and their families affected by the CervicalCheck crisis in October of 2019.”
Mr Morrissey said his wife “fought fiercely to stay alive for the family she adored”.
“Ruth had a sparkle to her smile, her wit and her intelligence,” he said. “That sparkle made her wonderful company and her friendship was a gift she gave generously to anyone who knew her.”
He made reference to the legal process Ms Morrissey faced when she sued the HSE and two laboratories over the misreading of her cervical smear tests.
In June 2018, then Taoiseach Mr Varadkar said he should have been “more clear” when he made a promise that no other women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal would have to go to court.
He said the Government wanted all cases to be settled by mediation so women could avoid a court trial.
However, he added that any woman had a constitutional right to go through with a court case.
Leading the tributes to Ms. Morrissey yesterday, President Michael D Higgins said:
“Ruth Morrissey’s tremendous courage in an arduous campaign for truth and justice leaves a legacy of courage for all Irish people, and for those campaigning for women’s right to healthcare in particular.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Ruth was a brave, courageous woman who worked tirelessly for others and for future generations of women.”
Fellow CervicalCheck campaigners also told of their sadness at her death. Vicky Phelan said:
“Ruth was one of the strongest women I know, and also one of the most positive. I never once saw her without a smile on her face and I saw her when she was very ill.”
We express our sympathy and deepest condolences to Ruth’s family today and in the days, weeks, months, and years that are to come as they cope with her passing. May her soul rest in peace.
‘It’s too late for an apology’ as Ruth Morrissey loses cancer battle
“despite the magnitude of the harm caused to her by avoidable errors”, his wife was used as a legal “test case through the final years and months of her life”.#CervicalCheckScandal https://t.co/oXkTPcEAhN pic.twitter.com/oRey0j1wCl
— Mick Caul (@caulmick) July 20, 2020
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