Further 1044 patients recalled as part of neurology review
NI's biggest ever patient recall grows
Last updated 30th Oct 2018
A further 1044 patients have been recalled as part of a major investigation into the work of Dr Michael Watt.
2500 patients who were in the Consultant Neurologist's active care have already been reviewed, after concerns were raised in May 2017.
On Tuesday, the Department of Health announced patients who had been discharged to their GPs between 2012-2017 will now return, as part of the second phase of reviews.
1044 letters were issued by the Department offering review appointments to those affected, mostly patients with epilepsy.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride reiterated a previous apology on behalf of the Department:
"Of course I'm concerned about the impact.
"As I've said before, I've apologised, I apologise again to those individuals who will be receiving a letter today inviting them back for a recall appointment.
"But as I've said also, we will put this right."
It means over three and a half thousand patients in total will have been reviewed when phase two is complete, amid concerns over the work of the consultant neurologist.
The Department has stressed those who have received a letter should continue taking any prescribed medication.
They will be seen within at least four months by a neurologist who will review their medication, diagnosis and treatment plans.
"Well we said from the outset when we were looking at patients under Dr Watt's active review, that based on the learning that was arising from that first phase of the recall, that we would consider the need to review patients who were previously seen and treated by Dr Watt and discharged back into the care of their General Practitioner.
"We've been guided by the advice of the neurologists who have been carrying out the first phase of the review.
"We have identified key groups of people, on specific treatments, for particular neurological conditions and we have today written out to 1044 people inviting them to come forward for a review appointment."
Review clinics will begin this weekend and the Department aims to see all patients who have been recalled within the next four months.
Dr McBride moved to reassure patients:
"We have a responsibility to understand in due course how this has happened, why it has happened and do our level best to ensure it doesn't happen ever again.
"Primarily, our responsibility must be guided by acting in the best interests of patients at this time and making sure that everyone who has had a diagnosis, has the correct diagnosis, everyone who is on treatment, requires that treatment and that is what we are continuing to do."
The decision on who to offer appointments to has been shared with the Royal College of Physicians, whose report triggered the review.
It described the action as "very sensible'' and in line with its initial findings.
Additional clinics have been secured from the independent sector to support consultants at Northern Ireland's largest public healthcare provider, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
All patients in the first stage of the review, announced earlier this year, have already received a first appointment and more than 600 discharged.
A significant number of other patients have been referred separately from the main recall process.
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust consultant neurologist Dr John Craig said: "We wish to reassure everyone who has received a letter that our primary focus is to provide assurance that they are on the correct treatment and request that they should not stop or make adjustments to their medication until they have been reviewed by a consultant neurologist at their appointment.
"It is crucial that everyone who does not receive a letter understands that they have no action to take and do not need to get in touch.
"This latest review process is being concentrated on specific groups of patients taking specific, specialised medicines."