Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed the urgent establishment of a review into outpatient services in Belfast Trust after news at least 2,500 cases may have been misdiagnosed.
The Department of Health said a ‘particular focus’ would be put on neurology cases following the revelation about the work of Dr Michael Watt. The Department said it had directed the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) to undertake the review.
“I welcome this move, especially coming so quickly after yesterday’s concerning news for so many people who may have been affected,” said South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw.
“I called for this yesterday and it is good the RQIA has responded immediately to the Department’s request for an investigation. We need to see how this entire process has been handled and governance arrangements across all five health trusts, so lessons can be learned to ensure it does not happen again.
“I again urge anyone who is affected or who feels they may be to contact the dedicated helpline. This includes those who saw Dr Watt at his private practice at the Ulster Independent Clinic and Hillsborough Private Clinic, who can now also call 028 9068 6511 and 02892688899 respectively.”