Missed breast cancer screenings ‘does not affect Scotland’

A failure to screen women for breast cancer announced by UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt does not apply in Scotland, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

In a parliamentary statement this afternoon, Hunt said the NHS had failed to send invitations for screening to 450,000 women between 68-71 since 2009, and admitted up to 270 may have had their lives shortened as a result.

Hunt added that a computer algorithm was to blame for the error.

"Irrespective of when the incident started, the fact is for many years oversight of our screening programme has not been good enough,” he said.

Scottish Health Secretary Shona Robison confirmed the IT system was not in use in Scotland.

“I want 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,” she 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.”

Hunt announced an independent review and apologised "wholeheartedly" to women affected and their families.