Telstra Health has touted its technological capabilities and defended its role in the design and roll-out of the National Cancer Screening Register at a Senate Community Affairs committee hearing in Sydney today but has also admitted that the clinician directing the project has resigned.

Eminent pathologist Ruth Salom was recruited 18 months ago to help plan and design the register, which will automate and streamline the national bowel cancer screening program and the different state-based cervical cancer screening programs, but it was revealed today that she has submitted her resignation and the former CEO of Barwon Health, qualified GP David Ashbridge, has agreed to take over her role.