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Lost screening records

Dosher
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I had a screening a few years ago due to some pain or a lump (can't honestly remember as it was amongst a long gynae illness). I was called for my 50yr screening,  and they were surprised that I had already had one screening as there were no records. Both screenings were done under the umbrella of the same hospital.

I've now been recalled for further tests on Monday (it's Thursday,  letter posted yesterday,  screening 22.2.22 ) after my recent screening and I'm worried that something could have been missed on that original screening, and that they don't have that data to refer to.

I've had no symptoms that I'm aware of, though now I feel like there's minor burning pain in the outer side of my right breast near my nipple. Probably psychosomatic . 

I couldn't even get through to confirm my appointment! I'm panicking about that too as I only have Friday left to respond. 

Who should I contact, who should have details and where do I legally stand if they've missed anything because of the missing documents (not the 1st time my notes have not been maintained, but under a different hospital)?

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    Hi and thanks for posting

    It's stressful being recalled back from a mammogram , but the majority of people who are recalled do not turn out to have cancer. However, it's understandable that you are concerned and also that they do not have your previous report.

    Taking a step at a time, it may be best to wait until you're seen on Monday and to discuss this with the department - they should be able to try and chase this up with the other department. Alternatively, you can try and get a copy of the letter from the GP who will have been sent the report from the initial screening. I know this isn't the actual mammogram but it may help if there is any number on the report that may help them to find the mammogram. I'm guessing it was a mammogram you had previously and not an ultrasound.

    PALS (Patient Advisory and Liaison Service ) which are based in most hospitals ,should also help you with this. I'm not sure where you stand from a legal perspective, and this may change depending on what the results show on Monday. I would have thought that if there had been a problem the first time, this would have been identified at the time, and it's also possible that you would have noticed changes around your breast by now - but I can't really say.

    You would need to discuss this with the department and if necessary, it can be taken up with the chief executive or director of the department to look into it further.

    I hope you manage to get through to the department today - if you can't get through on the direct number, do try going through switchboard(the main hospital number) and ask to be put through that way.

    All the best and I hope things go well on Monday. If there's anything you would like to go through after you've had your appointment and results, do give us a call - Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday

    Wanda

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    At my hospital the system that calls you for your routine 3 yearly mammogram (screening) is a different one to the one hospital uses if you go with a problem or because your doctor refers you (symptomatic) even though the tests are done in the same unit and by the same staff, so it could just be that.

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