About Screening
How we use information about you
Information about you is held by Breast Test Wales.
Breast Test Wales holds certain information about you for a number of reasons. We need to know your name, address and date of birth and the details of your GP so that we can invite you for screening at the right time. Your test results and any resulting treatment are also recorded. If you tell us you do not want to be screened, we keep a record of your basic details to ensure you are not invited.
How we use the information
Care is taken to ensure your personal details are only used when absolutely required. Your personal details are used to ensure we are collecting and using accurate data. We use this information to check that the standard of our service is as high as possible.
We keep all of your mammograms so that we can:
- compare your latest mammograms with ones you have had before;
- review all screening records, including mammograms;
- train and increase the expertise of our specialist staff; and
- audit the quality of the service we provide.
Staff who work elsewhere in the health service may need to see your records to help with your medical care.
We also collect information on all breast cancers in order to monitor and evaluate the screening programme, which includes measuring the expected decrease in the number of deaths from breast cancer.
How we keep information safe
The Director of Breast Test Wales is responsible for making sure that your details are used properly. We keep all paper records away from the public, while computer records are guarded by passwords known only to approved members of staff. All staff receive regular training about security and confidentiality.
Sharing information
We only ever publish information as statistics and we never publish your personal details.
We pass on your personal data to those with a need to know, including your own GP and, if you have a diagnosis of cancer, the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit. Information will also be given to a medical consultant if it is needed for your medical care. All these organisations/individuals have the same duty of confidentiality as Breast Test Wales.
Occasionally we are asked to provide information for research trials or audit. Each request for information is seen by the Director of Breast Test Wales and has to be approved by her and the Caldicott Guardian (the Screening Services person who is responsible for confidentiality and the uses of patient information). Most requests ask for anonymised information only. If identifiable data are requested, your consent will be sought before any details are given to individuals not working for Breast Test Wales. Occasionally, for very large studies which are important to protect public health, your information may be used without seeking consent, but only when there is a lawful basis for doing so. Before releasing personal details, Breast Test Wales requires researchers to receive the approval of a Medical Research Ethics Committee, which always considers the need to obtain consent.
Information about Breast Test Wales
Breast Test Wales publishes information about its services on the web at: www.screeningservices.org.uk/btw
You may request information under the Freedom of Information Act either by:
- contacting Breast Test Wales via the website
- sending an email to ScreeningDirector@velindre-tr.wales.nhs.uk
- writing to the Director at the address below.
Making a suggestion or complaint
If you would like to make a suggestion or complaint, ask for our leaflet at any of our centres or write to us at the address below. Further details are also on our website.
Further information
If you have any questions about the information we hold about you, please contact:
The Director
Breast Test Wales
18 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9LJ
Other useful sources about information and how you can access it:
Information Commissioner: www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
Information Commissioners Office
Cambrian Buildings
Mount Stuart Square
Cardiff
CF10 5FL
Tel: 029 - 2044 8044
Fax: 029 - 2044 8045
Email: waleseico.gsi.gov.uk
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