Swann announces public inquiry into serious concerns over consultant's clinical practice
Last updated 24th Nov 2020
Robin Swann today (Tuesday) announced a public inquiry into "grave" concerns around the clinical practice of a urology consultant in the Southern Health Trust.
Aidan O’Brien was responsible for nearly 2,500 patients - but was suspended in July after serious issues were raised about his work.
To date 1,159 patients’ records have been reviewed with 271 patients or families contacted by the Trust
The consultant retired earlier this year.
Announcing the inquiry in the Assembly, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "So far, nine cases have been identified that meet the threshold for a serious adverse incident (SAI) review and all nine patients and/or their families have been contacted by the trust to inform them of the position in relation to their respective cases,'' he said.
"A further six cases are currently being reviewed in more detail to establish if those patients have come to harm.''
He added: "This emerging situation within the Southern Trust causes me and my department the gravest of concerns. While I remain convinced that the experience of patients who use our health services is overwhelmingly that of a safe and quality service, these incidents regrettably dent the confidence of service users.
"I fully acknowledge this and I will do all that I can to ensure that lessons are learnt, to prevent situations such as these occurring again.''
And in conclusion, 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.”
Meanwhile, Mr Swann has also informed MLAs that the independent inquiry panel set up in relation to the recall of neurology patients at Belfast Trust will now be converted to a statutory public inquiry.
He said the was to enable the inquiry panel team to complete its work with “unfettered access to all relevant information.".