Menu
11/05/2018
Independent Inquiry To Be Held Over Belfast Trust Patient Recall
An independent inquiry is to be held over the recall of more than 2,500 neurology patients by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
Last week, the Trust announced the recall following a probe into the work of neurology consultant Dr Michael Watt.
The Department of Health said the inquiry panel will be chaired by Brett Lockhart QC and discussions are continuing with the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management on identifying a panel member with suitable clinical leadership expertise..
In addition, the inquiry will review the process initiated by the Trust in December 2016 over concerns raised about the clinical practice of Dr Michael Watt, which resulted in the patient recall announced last week.
The panel will also assess whether any complaints or concerns relating to Dr Watt prior to December 2016 should have provided grounds for earlier intervention.
Department of Health Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly, said: "The focus since last week has rightly been on establishing a robust patient recall process. That remains the first priority.
"However, it is clear that a rigorous review is also required – given the seriousness of the situation and the impact on patients. The public needs to be assured that this issue has been properly and appropriately handled by the Trust, and that any lessons for the future are learned.
"I am indebted to Mr Lockhart for agreeing to lead this inquiry panel and undertake this important work."
SDLP Deputy Leader, Nichola Mallon MLA, welcomed the announcement.
"The decision by the Department of Health to establish an Independent Inquiry Panel to review the recall of neurology patients within the Belfast Trust is most welcome," she said.
"In particular, it is important that we will now have openness and transparency about what exactly happened within this area of our health service.
"Patients and their families, and the general public, will be relieved to see that the Department has stepped up. It is absolutely vital that this review establishes exactly how this was allowed to happen and what changes are required to prevent the possibility of this happening again."
(LM/MH)
Last week, the Trust announced the recall following a probe into the work of neurology consultant Dr Michael Watt.
The Department of Health said the inquiry panel will be chaired by Brett Lockhart QC and discussions are continuing with the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management on identifying a panel member with suitable clinical leadership expertise..
In addition, the inquiry will review the process initiated by the Trust in December 2016 over concerns raised about the clinical practice of Dr Michael Watt, which resulted in the patient recall announced last week.
The panel will also assess whether any complaints or concerns relating to Dr Watt prior to December 2016 should have provided grounds for earlier intervention.
Department of Health Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly, said: "The focus since last week has rightly been on establishing a robust patient recall process. That remains the first priority.
"However, it is clear that a rigorous review is also required – given the seriousness of the situation and the impact on patients. The public needs to be assured that this issue has been properly and appropriately handled by the Trust, and that any lessons for the future are learned.
"I am indebted to Mr Lockhart for agreeing to lead this inquiry panel and undertake this important work."
SDLP Deputy Leader, Nichola Mallon MLA, welcomed the announcement.
"The decision by the Department of Health to establish an Independent Inquiry Panel to review the recall of neurology patients within the Belfast Trust is most welcome," she said.
"In particular, it is important that we will now have openness and transparency about what exactly happened within this area of our health service.
"Patients and their families, and the general public, will be relieved to see that the Department has stepped up. It is absolutely vital that this review establishes exactly how this was allowed to happen and what changes are required to prevent the possibility of this happening again."
(LM/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 May 2018
Parties Updated On Response To Neurology Patient Recall
Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, have updated NI's political parties a detailed update on the actions being taken in response to the neurology patient recall announced by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
Parties Updated On Response To Neurology Patient Recall
Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, have updated NI's political parties a detailed update on the actions being taken in response to the neurology patient recall announced by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
04 October 2024
Health Minister Encourages Use Of My Care Patient Portal
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is urging people to sign up for the My Care patient portal, which provides access to digital medical records. The My Care portal allows patients and service users to view their healthcare information through an app or web browser on their digital devices.
Health Minister Encourages Use Of My Care Patient Portal
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is urging people to sign up for the My Care patient portal, which provides access to digital medical records. The My Care portal allows patients and service users to view their healthcare information through an app or web browser on their digital devices.
03 May 2018
Dept Of Health 'Very Aware' Of Concerns Over Patient Recall
The Department of Health has said that it is "very aware" of the concerns of many patients and their families affected by the patient recall by Belfast Trust.
Dept Of Health 'Very Aware' Of Concerns Over Patient Recall
The Department of Health has said that it is "very aware" of the concerns of many patients and their families affected by the patient recall by Belfast Trust.
27 July 2018
2,144 People Seen In Neurology Patient Recall
The Department of Health and consultant neurologist Dr John Craig have presented an update to elected representatives on the recall of neurology patients by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. The Department also gave the position on the numbers of patients reviewed, collated by the Health and Social Care Board and Public Health Agency.
2,144 People Seen In Neurology Patient Recall
The Department of Health and consultant neurologist Dr John Craig have presented an update to elected representatives on the recall of neurology patients by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. The Department also gave the position on the numbers of patients reviewed, collated by the Health and Social Care Board and Public Health Agency.
16 July 2012
Health Trust Admits Cancer Patient Failure
A Northern Irish health trust has admitted failing a terminal cancer patient after tests showing a lesion on his lung were not acted on for nine months. Alan Kelso, 81, from Garvagh, had an X-ray taken in July 2011 during a 12-day stay at the Causeway Hotel in Coleraine after he had a stroke.
Health Trust Admits Cancer Patient Failure
A Northern Irish health trust has admitted failing a terminal cancer patient after tests showing a lesion on his lung were not acted on for nine months. Alan Kelso, 81, from Garvagh, had an X-ray taken in July 2011 during a 12-day stay at the Causeway Hotel in Coleraine after he had a stroke.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
