The data which was revealed by the Public Health Agency showed there were multiple incidents of cervical screening underperformance from all trusts. The investigation into this data was instigated by the cervical screening scandal in the Southern Trust that occurred last year, where at least two women died after their tests were misread and at least eight others developed cancer.

Ms Guy said: “The revelation of this data is harrowing and highlights a profound breakdown in patient care.

“Following the discovery of the shocking scandal in the Southern Trust, this development reinforces questions about the efficacy of the cervical screening process and how it was allowed to reach this point.

“Many concerns exist regarding how our trusts are dealing with screener underperformance and what is being done to correct this. 

“We urgently need a statutory public inquiry to scrutinise and investigate the errors that have been made to ensure no more women go undiagnosed and their lives are put at risk.

“The Health Minister must take urgent action to address this. Cervical screening saves lives and we must rebuild public trust in this essential service.”