Vicky Phelan, a mother of two from Limerick, was diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer in 2014. She had undergone a routine smear test in 2011 which came back clear, but it was later revealed that there had been a significant error in her test results and that she should have been diagnosed much earlier. Vicky decided to take legal action against the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the US laboratory responsible for the error, and in doing so, she uncovered a widespread issue with the CervicalCheck screening program in Ireland.
As Vicky's story gained national attention, she became a symbol of the fight for justice for all women affected by the scandal. Despite her own terminal prognosis, she continued to advocate for better healthcare for women and to hold those responsible for the failings of the system to account.
The movie Vicky delves into the personal struggles and sacrifices that Vicky and her family faced during this time, as well as the emotional toll of becoming a public figure in such a high-profile case. It depicts her unwavering determination to fight for the truth and for the rights of all women who were let down by the healthcare system.
The film also explores Vicky's relationships with her husband and children, as well as her close friends and supporters, who stood by her side throughout her battle. It highlights the strength and resilience that Vicky showed in the face of adversity, as well as the impact that her courage had on the wider conversation about women's health in Ireland.
