Public Inquiry Ordered Over Concerns Surrounding Urology Consultant

A public inquiry has been ordered into serious concerns over the clinical practice of a hospital consultant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.

The decision, announced in a statement to the Assembly, relates to the work of a urology consultant who earlier this year retired from the Southern Trust.

The Health Minister has also informed MLAs that the independent inquiry panel set up in relation to the recall of neurology patients at Belfast Trust will be converted to a statutory public inquiry. This is to enable the inquiry panel team to complete its work with "unfettered access to all relevant information", he stated.

In relation to the concerns about the clinical practice of the Southern Trust urology consultant, Minister Swann told MLAs that to date 1,159 patients' records have initially been reviewed and 271 patients or families have been contacted by the Trust. Work continues across areas of concern.

He said the concerns about clinical practice of the consultant urologist were "of the gravest concern".

Concluding the Minister said: "The impact of these concerns will be felt most severely by patients and their families affected and unfortunately we are only at the start of what is likely to become a long and detailed investigation into this matter. As Health Minister I want to firstly unreservedly apologise to these patients and their families for any upset and distress this has caused. I would also wish to reassure them that I will endeavour to ensure that they obtain appropriate treatment, support and the care they need over the coming weeks and months."