Menu
18/01/2008
MRI Re-Assessments Show Patient Care Not Compromised
The results of a precautionary review into diagnostic MRI scans undertaken by an independent 'provider' at Belfast's Mater Hospital has concluded that patient care has not been compromised.
Questions about the accuracy of a doctor's work at the north Belfast hospital have led to 143 patients being offered review appointments.
The radiologist in question has since been removed from duty after concerns were raised about the reporting of MRI scans between April and October 2007.
The doctor no longer practises in Northern Ireland and faces action by the General Medical Council.
Letters were sent to patients and an information line set up and Assembly Health Minister Michael McGimpsey called for the review after concerns were raised regarding the accuracy of the reporting of the scans.
The radiologist was employed by MRI Centre (Ireland), an independent healthcare provider contracted by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board on behalf of the four Boards, to deliver and report on MRI scans at the Mater Hospital.
In total, MRI scans relating to 676 patients were re-reported by an expert medical team, the majority of which related to orthopaedic conditions.
The review has confirmed that, in the majority of cases, the diagnosis and care provided to patients was appropriate.
The Minister said: "My first priority is to ensure that patients receive the high quality, safe healthcare they require and deserve. It is regrettable that in this instance, the quality of care that the public rightly expect has been called into question.
"I want to reassure those patients, and the general public, that the review has concluded that patient care has not been compromised. I am sorry for any anxiety this review may have caused to the patients.
"Over 700 scans were reviewed, covering some 676 patients in total. I understand that the offer of a review appointment for 143 of these patients will be worrying, but I want to stress that this is purely a precaution and the risk of any adverse impact is extremely low.
"All patients will now be offered appointments to be seen before the end of the month.
"I promised a comprehensive, thorough review and that is what I am delivering. I want to ensure that all patients receive the best possible treatment and care for their condition."
The Minister continued:"This incident is regrettable and I am determined to take all steps necessary to minimise the likelihood of a similar incident occurring in the future.
"That is why I have asked my officials to immediately review the existing oversight arrangements for services delivered by the independent sector, particularly in the area of MRI reporting, and changes will be made where necessary," he concluded.
(BMcC)
Questions about the accuracy of a doctor's work at the north Belfast hospital have led to 143 patients being offered review appointments.
The radiologist in question has since been removed from duty after concerns were raised about the reporting of MRI scans between April and October 2007.
The doctor no longer practises in Northern Ireland and faces action by the General Medical Council.
Letters were sent to patients and an information line set up and Assembly Health Minister Michael McGimpsey called for the review after concerns were raised regarding the accuracy of the reporting of the scans.
The radiologist was employed by MRI Centre (Ireland), an independent healthcare provider contracted by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board on behalf of the four Boards, to deliver and report on MRI scans at the Mater Hospital.
In total, MRI scans relating to 676 patients were re-reported by an expert medical team, the majority of which related to orthopaedic conditions.
The review has confirmed that, in the majority of cases, the diagnosis and care provided to patients was appropriate.
The Minister said: "My first priority is to ensure that patients receive the high quality, safe healthcare they require and deserve. It is regrettable that in this instance, the quality of care that the public rightly expect has been called into question.
"I want to reassure those patients, and the general public, that the review has concluded that patient care has not been compromised. I am sorry for any anxiety this review may have caused to the patients.
"Over 700 scans were reviewed, covering some 676 patients in total. I understand that the offer of a review appointment for 143 of these patients will be worrying, but I want to stress that this is purely a precaution and the risk of any adverse impact is extremely low.
"All patients will now be offered appointments to be seen before the end of the month.
"I promised a comprehensive, thorough review and that is what I am delivering. I want to ensure that all patients receive the best possible treatment and care for their condition."
The Minister continued:"This incident is regrettable and I am determined to take all steps necessary to minimise the likelihood of a similar incident occurring in the future.
"That is why I have asked my officials to immediately review the existing oversight arrangements for services delivered by the independent sector, particularly in the area of MRI reporting, and changes will be made where necessary," he concluded.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
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.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
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.
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.
