Phase 2 neurology recalls begin
1044 former patients of Dr Michael Watt to attend recall clinics
Last updated 3rd Nov 2018
Clinics to review former neurology patients of Dr Michael Watt begin on Saturday.
1044 mostly epilepsy patients who had been discharged to their GP between 2012-2017 received recall letters from the Department of Health on Tuesday.
2500 have already been reviewed after concerns were raised about the work of the consultant neurologist back in May.
The Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride again apologised on behalf of the Department but pledged to investigate the matter fully and reassure those affected:
"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."
Patients will have their diagnosis and medication checked by a neurologist at the clinics, to make sure they are on the right treatment plan.
The Department aims to see all of those recalled within four months.
MLAs and charities were briefed by Department officials about the details of the second phase of recalls on Tuesday.
SDLP MLA for north Belfast Nichola Mallon told us these patients should have been recalled in the first phase, in order to provide reassurance:
"We have been calling for some time now for the discharged patients to be communicated with because they have been waiting six months since the first recall was announced.
"They have been left in the dark worrying about are they affected by it, how are they affected by it, what are they meant to do."
The latest phase of recalls means over three and a half thousand patients in total will have been reviewed when stage two is complete.
It is the biggest recall Northern Ireland has ever seen and on Tuesday the Chief Medical Officer Doctor Michael McBride said he could not rule out further reviews in future:
"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."
Ms Mallon said she is concerned the current number of reviews may only be the tip of the iceberg:
"We have heard from the clinicians and they can't rule out a further recall.
"I think that's a reflection of the magnitude of this.
"The fact that 3500 patients have been recalled or are being recalled is huge.
"I have spoken to a number of those patients and obviously getting a letter like that causes huge stress and anxiety but it's really important and I would encourage every single person who got a letter...to make that call so that they can get reassurance around their diagnosis and their medication and care plan."
Earlier this year, the Department announced an independent probe to review the circumstances surrounding Dr Michael Watt's practice and how the Belfast Trust handled concerns into his work.
Ms Mallon urged patients to engage with the investigation:
"I would encourage all patients and their families who've been affected by this to respond to the questionnaire from the independent inquiry panel.
"If we are to get to the truth of exactly what has happened and how it happened then patients voices and evidence is really important.
"So I would encourage people to fill that questionnaire in and make sure they tell their story."
The Department has stressed those who have received a letter should continue taking any prescribed medication and the Belfast trust has set up a patient helpline for anyone with concerns.