Law Changes To Meet Inquiry's Recommendation, Out For Consultation
Law changes supporting the audit of the National Cervical Screening Programme, meeting a key recommendation of the
Gisborne Cervical Screening Inquiry Report, are outlined in a discussion document released today by the Ministry of
Health.
The Ministry is seeking input from New Zealand women about the proposed changes to legislation aimed at improving the
effectiveness of the National Cervical Screening Programme, Director-General of Health Dr Karen Poutasi said.
The Discussion Document, called Improving the NCSP, Law Changes to Support the Audit of the Programme, is being
distributed this week to a number of women's organisations, health providers and professional organisations, and covers
proposed changes to section 74A of the Health Act 1956.
Dr Poutasi says the changes will allow information about a woman's cervical screening history to be available for the
purpose of auditing and evaluating the effectiveness of the National Cervical Screening Programme. Auditors will be
required to keep personal information confidential and secure.
The changes to the legislation were called, "by far the most important change which is required to make the National
Cervical Screening Programme fully effective", in the Gisborne Cervical Screening Inquiry report released in April.
"Although the Ministry is currently carrying out a three-part evaluation of the Programme, there have been difficulties
accessing programme information for the purpose of auditing and evaluating the NCSP due to the measures in place under
section 74A of the Health Act," Dr Poutasi said.
"It is important that the need to protect private information does not stop us from ensuring the programme is working
effectively for New Zealand women. The ability to independently audit and research information, held as part of the
National Cervical Screening Programme, is a key component in ensuring the ongoing quality of the Programme."
Dr Poutasi said the measures currently in place under Section 74A of the Health Act 1956 were out of step with the
Health Information Privacy Code which covers information held by all other providers of health and disability services.
"New Zealand women continue to show a strong commitment to the NCSP. More than one million women are enrolled on the
Programme. Since the programme began, there have been significant reductions in the rates of both disease and death from
cervical cancer. From 1987 - 1996 the death rate for cervical cancer dropped by 43 per cent, while there has been a 22
percent drop in cervical cancer incidence, over the same period."
Maori women's data contained on the Programme Register is also protected by the Kaitiaki regulations. The Government
intends to begin consulting separately about changes to these regulations in October.
"It is important that New Zealand women have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed changes. A copy of the
Discussion Document can be obtained on the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz or by phoning 04 496 2277."
The period for receiving submissions will run for six weeks and closes on July 16.
Ends
For further information contact: Peter Abernethy Ph (04) 496 2008 or 025 477 036, or Kallon Basham Ph (04) 496 2385 or
025 897 521 Website address: www.moh.govt.nz