Screening blunder did not affect Scottish NHS

Shona Robison has said Scottish Government officials will work with their English counterparts to identify any women in Scotland affected by a breast cancer screening error.

The health secretary made the pledge after it emerged a “computer algorithm failure” dating back to 2009 has meant hundreds of thousands of women between 68 and 71 were not invited to final routine screening.

It is not yet known whether the blunder, which occurred south of the Border, has resulted in avoidable death, but it is estimated that between 135 and 270 women had their lives shortened as a result.

Ms Robison said she wanted to “reassure members of the public that this issue does not affect the NHS in Scotland and patients should be reassured that there are no problems with our breast screening programme records or IT systems”.

Ms Robison said: “As usual, all women should continue to be aware of changes to their breasts and if they have any concerns they should see their GP. Scottish Government officials will be working with Public Health England to identify any women affected in England who have subsequently moved to Scotland.”

UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt confirmed his officials are working with the Scottish Government to find out if any women affected have since moved to Scotland.