Health Minister Annette King says she feels great sympathy for Gisborne women, and Patient A in particular, following
the Court of Appeal decision yesterday that Patient A cannot claim exemplary damages from retired pathologist Michael
Bottrill.
"That is certainly not a comment on the legal merits of the decision, of course, but I know it will be yet another
emotional setback for women affected by the Gisborne Cervical Screening Inquiry.
"At the time of the release of the Inquiry report in April, I said the Government would consider any claims the women
brought against us.
"Legal claims have been made by many women. The women's lawyers have requested a meeting and once they have provided
more information, we will be able to meet to discuss the claims.
"Although I cannot make a unilateral decision, I can say the Government will consider all claims seriously."
Mrs King said that tomorrow she would release the second monthly update on implementation of recommendations from the
Gisborne report.
Ends