A GROUP of patients caught up in the neurology recall scandal staged a protest outside the Department of Health yesterday to demand “answers” from its most senior civil servant.
Politicians accompanied former patients of Dr Michael Watt, 18 months after the biggest recall in Northern Ireland’s healthcare system was first ordered following concerns about the consultant’s work.
They wanted to meet with the department’s permanent secretary, Richard Pengelly, to deliver a letter outlining their frustration about being “left in the dark” about the case.
Read More: Belfast health trust boss issues first letter of apology to Dr Watt patients
Mr Pengelly was not available. Dr Watt, who was based at the Royal Victoria Hospital for 20 years, saw people from across the north with a wide range of brain-related conditions including Multiple Sclerosis, epilepsy, stroke and Parkinson’s disease.
An “outcomes report” into the number of patients who were misdiagnosed and given the wrong drugs was due to be published in the summer but was withdrawn.
Assembly members including the SDLP’s Nichola Mallon, Sinn Féin’s Pat Sheehan and Gerry Carroll from People Before Profit also took part in yesterday’s protest.
Read More: Regulator insists probe into Dr Michael Watt will continue despite 'retirement'
