From Dr F. Portelli

I refer to Marie Benoit’s article where she stated that I had told her, sometime around 1987, that I believed that there would be a national breast-screening programme in due course.

Marie also says that I told her she was being too pessimistic and although I did say words to that effect this was because I felt she was feeling particularly negative at the time.

I had no intention of causing hurt to anybody, as this would be (as I am sure she knows) completely against my nature.

Yes, I do believe that a National Screening Programme – although not a perfect method – will definitely save lives of women over the age of 50.

I have campaigned incessantly for this programme to be initiated – I seem to have been a voice in the wilderness – until now

The female voices campaigning now sound stronger than my voice – perhaps because it is a feminine issue and perhaps sounding even louder since a general election is round the corner

Frank Portelli CEO

St Philip’s Hospital

STA VENERA