A review of the work of a locum consultant radiologist which has saw more than 9,000 patients contacted is the result of a health system “creaking under extreme pressure,” Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said.

The Northern Trust patients have been contacted in relation to the consultant, who the Trust say was engaged by them between July 2019 and February 2020. The Trust says breast services are not affected and are not part of the review, adding all letters to patients should arrive over the next few days.

“Once again we are seeing another incident involving clinical governance, workforce vacancies and pressures, and patients left in vulnerable and anxious positions,” said South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw.

“What we are seeing in the Northern Trust has been brought about due to a health system creaking under extreme pressure. Too much work for too many health care professionals, not enough resources and energy put into ensuring a service – in this case radiology – is fit for purpose, and some patients who have been let down and now face potentially worse health and well-being now and into the future.

“I would urge the Northern Trust to do all it can to ensure patients are called forward as diligently as possible and communication channels are robust. To those radiologists who will be under even more pressure in the coming months, as part of the review, we thank you.”