A COMPENSATION scheme is to be set up by the Department of Health for patients caught up in a major recall scandal - and whose misdiagnosis may have "profound implications".
In a briefing yesterday by the Northern Ireland's chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride and permanent secretary, Richard Pengelly, they confirmed "a piece of work" was underway to establish 'redress' for former patients of consultant neurologist, Dr Michael Watt.
But the Department chiefs admitted the move will require ministerial sign-off.
Earlier this month, the Belfast health trust announced it was recalling 2,500 of Dr Watt's patients for reassessments after an expert review found 'patient safety concerns' around his diagnosis and treatment plans.
It has now emerged that a further 700 private patients at the Ulster Independent Clinic and Hillborough clinic are to be re-tested.
Dr Watt, who was based at Royal Victoria hospital for the past 20 years, was restricted from seeing patients last summer but was not suspended by the trust. He remains on full pay.
Mr Pengelly, who is the most senior civil servant at the Department and is effectively the stand-in minister in the absence of power-sharing, said he recognised the 'life-changing' impact of someone receiving the wrong diagnosis.
"This can have profound implications for patients," he said.
He added: "We are learning the lessons of mistakes made in the past.
"Our response will not be, if someone comes forward and says I have had a profound life-changing event as a consequence of an error on your part, our response will not be to refer them to our solicitors and say see you in court."
A series of investigations including an independent inquiry led by barrister, Brett Lockhart QC, have also been set up to probe the trust's "handling" of the recall.
Politicians including SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon - who first raised concerns with the trust about Dr Watt last year - have been scathing in their criticism of the trust's communication.
Dr Michael McBride said yesterday he was "acutely aware" of the "huge level of understandable anxiety" and "didn't wish to add to that anxiety".
"This is one of the most complex and challenging reviews we have ever had to deal with...the psychological and emotional impact for people is likely to be very significant," he added.
Latest recall figures show that more than 280 patients have been reassessed and a further 1,960 have booked their appointments, which will continue for the next few months.
A 'couple of hundred' of former patients have yet to make contact and have been urged to come forward.
Mr Pengelly said it was important to stress they had "absolutely not forgotten" about former patients who had been discharged by Dr Watt over the past two decades.
He also referred to a separate review being carried out by the health watchdog, the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), which will include patients who have died over the past 10 years while under Dr Watt's care.
Families of deceased patients can contact RQIA by calling 028 95 361111.
