GPs warn of 'dangerous' cancer screening system

Published on Sunday 22 April 2007 01:26

A NEW computerised cancer screening system planned for Scotland is unreliable and "dangerous to patient care", according to GPs.

Doctors are calling for the cervical cancer screening system, which is due to be launched in Scotland on May 28, to be delayed so technical issues can be ironed out.

Under the system, letters will be dispatched to women eligible for screening from a central bureau, and GPs will log patient information into a computer and print off a barcode instead of sending a paper record to the laboratory with the patient's specimen.

Hundreds of staff members have taken a two-hour training course to learn how to use the software for the system, but they say there are issues with the equipment and no way to revert to the paper system if the software fails.

The NHS National Services in Scotland, however, insisted the software is "state of the art", and that, in the event of isolated IT problems, surgeries could revert to the paper system.

GPs are also concerned that they can only access the results of screenings through a computer program rather than receiving a paper record, although patients will still receive a letter with their results.

Jim O'Neil, a GP and member of the Glasgow medical committee, said: "There's just a risk we may not find [the positive result], or see it or even look for it. We think it is being rushed... and we need to iron out the problems before it happens."

But NHS managers said the system had been developed in consultation with GPs and insisted it would be safer and more efficient for patients than the current screening process.

Doctors plan to call for a delay and review of the system at next week's British Medical Association conference in Glasgow.