Michael Bottrill's statement

"I want first to explain why I am making this statement at this time, some months before I am called to give evidence to the committee.

Most patients see their doctors face to face and get to know them in the course of their medical treatment. But pathologists practise in laboratories. Specimens are received for examination and reports are sent out. The pathologist is only a name on a report. Often the patient may not see the report itself, and the patient may not be told the name of the person who has made the report.

In March last year, I was present in the High Court at Auckland for five days. I gave evidence and I answered the questions asked of me. For a year since then my work has been under review. Many women heard of me for the first time.

The re-screening at Sydney has produced results which have caused this inquiry to be set up. I have been asked to give interviews, and to appear on television. I have not done so, and I did not intend to speak again until it was my turn to come before this committee.

In the week before the inquiry started, I was given to read the evidence of the eight women who have testified on Monday and Tuesday. What they had to say was intensely distressing to me. One point that they all have is that they all feel that I have let them down and they feel that I am unknown to them.

What has been said made it clear to me that I should ask to appear now, so that I can speak directly, face to face and on the record to the people who want me to acknowledge their situation. I am grateful to the committee for allowing this to happen today.

I do not know the names of all the women who have been affected by my actions. I do not know how many of them there are, but what I have to say is meant for everyone whose lives have been affected by the incorrect reports.

I have come today to tender my apologies. I wish to express my deepest regrets to those who have suffered after relying on my reports. I offer sympathy to them and to their families and friends who have supported them. I am very sorry that this has happened. I hope that this inquiry will answer many questions. I will provide it with as much assistance as I am able."