The Ombudsman has published a final investigation report and summary statement for an investigation about research activities at BreastScreen SA between 2019 and 2022.
Reports received by Ombudsman SA in 2022 alleged that BreastScreen SA had conducted two research studies without necessary ethics approval or the informed consent of the participants. The Ombudsman’s investigation considered whether the two activities, and another identified during the investigation, were conducted in accordance with national, state and agency level guidance on the ethical conduct of research. The Ombudsman also considered whether the agency responsible for BreastScreen SA, the Central Adelaide Local Health Network, responded appropriately to internal complaints about the activities.
The Ombudsman concluded that BreastScreen SA acted in error:
- when it commenced and conducted two of the three research studies without prior approval by the Human Research and Ethics Committee
- in its communication with participants of the studies.
The Ombudsman also concluded that CALHN’s response to the complaints, including a letter to participants in one of the studies, was wrong.
The Ombudsman’s full report and a summary statement are available here.
Support and information
Members of the public who are concerned that they may have been affected by the activities in issue may contact BreastScreen SA on 13 20 50 or HelloBSSA@sa.gov.au or visit www.breastscreen.sa.gov.au.
Readers wishing to seek support may contact:
Cancer Council SA Information and Support Service
13 11 20
www.cancersa.org.au/ask-a-nurse
Beyond Blue
1300 224 636
