Northern Ireland

Private healthcare clinic tries to track down patients treated by neurologist at centre of probe

The Ulster Independent Clinic is trying to identify patients treated by Dr Michael Watt
The Ulster Independent Clinic is trying to identify patients treated by Dr Michael Watt The Ulster Independent Clinic is trying to identify patients treated by Dr Michael Watt

A PRIVATE healthcare clinic has revealed it only received the findings of a probe into the work of a consultant neurologist at the centre of a massive patient recall the day after the scandal emerged.

Management at the Ulster Independent Clinic last night confirmed the Belfast health trust gave them the 'conclusions and recommendations' of an independent review into Dr Michael Watt - who worked for both the clinic and the NHS for the past 20 years - on Wednesday.

They also confirmed they were trying to track down the number of exclusively private patients the high-profile consultant saw in the private facility - but admitted there were difficulties as Dr Watt "retains his own patient records" as an "independent contractor".

The Irish News understands hundreds of private patients may be affected.

The Royal College of Physicians report, which was ordered by the Trust in December 2016 after whistleblower doctors raised concerns about Dr Watt, concluded there were "patient safety concerns" around his "diagnosis and treatment plans".

The expert review led to an unprecedented recall of 2,500 patients, including those with Multiple Sclorisis, Epilipsy, Parkinson's and other brain-related conditions.

Belfast health trust chiefs received the final report on April 26 and announced on Tuesday it was setting up a helpline and extra clinics, with all NHS cases to be reviewed over the next 12 weeks.

In a statement released by the Ulster Independent Clinic's senior management team and board, they said they were now working with the trust to establish how many patients they shared - a process they say has been "complex and time-consuming".

They added they were "acutely aware" of the "seriousness of this situation" and "the anxiety it is causing".

"As we focus on identifying those private patients who may need to be contacted in light of the concerns raised by the report, we would like to reassure any of Dr Watt's patients...that we are moving as quickly as possible to alleviate their concerns."

"Initially the Clinic has prioritised putting in place a process to identify the patients under active review by Dr Watt exclusively in his private practice at the Ulster Independent Clinic. Part of this process is to also identify those who may have moved between the private sector and the NHS, and who may therefore already appear on the Trust’s patient recall list," they said.

"As an independent clinical practitioner who used the facilities at the Ulster Independent Clinic, Dr Watt retains his own patient records. We have sought advice on obtaining access to the information required from these files urgently to allow us to accurately identify any patients who may need to be contacted."

The Irish News understands Dr Watt is "co-operating" with the private facility in relation to his caseload.

Meanwhile, the Belfast trust yesterday confirmed that that more 2,000 patients had contacted them to book review appointments. The special clinics start today.

SDLP north Belfast Assembly member Nichola Mallon, who first raised patient concerns last December, yesterday met trust management following complaints about the lack of communication with those affected.

"I wanted to establish who knew what and when," she said.

Helpline numbers:

Belfast health trust: 0800 980 1100

Ulster Independent Clinic: 028 90686511 (available from 9am-6pm Monday to Friday)