Helen McGlone trial: I’m not suing for the cash says smear-test doctor

A WOMAN seeking millions of pounds in damages in a medical negligence case has said she did not go to court for the money.

Helen McGlone, 32 was diagnosed with cervical cancer after having been given negative results for two smear tests.

She is suing Greater Glasgow Health Board for £5 million, although the figure is expected to rise to £30m.

At the Court of Session in Edinburgh yesterday, Dr McGlone said: “What I wanted was the people who misread the tests to know what they had done and be held responsible, and they have not, to this day.

“Three of them out of 128 in this country still operate and they cannot recognise cells. I wanted people who misread these tests to get out of their jobs before they kill more women.”

She added that she had also wanted “a small amount of money” to help with medical bills and the cost of surrogacy.

The board admits negligence, but says the damages claim is excessive.

Dr McGlone, of Falkirk, required surgery and radiotherapy after being diagnosed in 2008 in Switzerland where she was doing research for a PhD.

Her lawyers contend she missed out on a lucrative career in banking because of her treatment.

She is unable to conceive naturally but underwent IVF prior to treatment so surrogacy could be an option in future.

The hearing continues.