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.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
19 November 2024
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
14 November 2024
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
