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Delay fear for smear test system Delay fear for smear test system
(20 minutes later)
The introduction of a new cervical cancer screening system could be delayed because of security concerns, it is feared. A new cervical cancer screening system in Scotland could be delayed because of security concerns, it is feared.
GPs said it was unacceptable that the computer system would allow anyone with a password, including administrative staff, to access smear test results. GPs said it was unacceptable that the computer system would allow anyone with a password - including administrative staff - to access smear test results.
The system has been piloted in a handful of GP practices in Scotland. NHS National Services Scotland said the system would not be launched until the problem is sorted out.
Ministers said work was taking place to address the concerns and stressed it was on schedule to be launched in May.Ministers said work was taking place to address the concerns and stressed it was on schedule to be launched in May.
The Scottish Cervical Call-Recall System (SCCRS) was originally due to be launched in December last year. The Scottish Cervical Call-Recall System (SCCRS) was originally due to be launched in December last year and has been piloted in a handful of GP practices.
The new call/recall system currently remains on schedule to be implemented throughout Scotland on 1 May Scottish Executive spokeswomanThe new call/recall system currently remains on schedule to be implemented throughout Scotland on 1 May Scottish Executive spokeswoman
The fears about a further delay were highlighted in the British Medical Association's in-house magazine, the BMA News.The fears about a further delay were highlighted in the British Medical Association's in-house magazine, the BMA News.
Smear test results are currently sent directly to GPs, but the new procedures would allow any member of staff with a password to access records for any woman in Scotland.Smear test results are currently sent directly to GPs, but the new procedures would allow any member of staff with a password to access records for any woman in Scotland.
Some GPs said they were worried about how that sensitive information might be used.Some GPs said they were worried about how that sensitive information might be used.
NHS National Services Scotland's medical director for e-health, Brian Robson, said the situation was unacceptable.NHS National Services Scotland's medical director for e-health, Brian Robson, said the situation was unacceptable.
"I can give an assurance on behalf of National Services Scotland that SCCRS will not be launched until this is sorted out," he told BMA News."I can give an assurance on behalf of National Services Scotland that SCCRS will not be launched until this is sorted out," he told BMA News.
Password protectedPassword protected
A Scottish Executive spokeswoman said that all staff accessing cervical screening data were bound by professional and NHS codes of conduct and would have to comply with rules on patient confidentiality.A Scottish Executive spokeswoman said that all staff accessing cervical screening data were bound by professional and NHS codes of conduct and would have to comply with rules on patient confidentiality.
"Also, access to cervical screening data is password protected for authorised users only," she said."Also, access to cervical screening data is password protected for authorised users only," she said.
"We understand NSS, who oversee the Scottish Cervical Screening Call Recall System, have met with GPs to discuss their concerns with administrative staff having access to data and they are taking forward work to resolve this issue."We understand NSS, who oversee the Scottish Cervical Screening Call Recall System, have met with GPs to discuss their concerns with administrative staff having access to data and they are taking forward work to resolve this issue.
"The new call/recall system currently remains on schedule to be implemented throughout Scotland on 1 May.""The new call/recall system currently remains on schedule to be implemented throughout Scotland on 1 May."