Northern Ireland

Further 209 neurology patients of Dr Michael Watt recalled

Consultant neurologist Dr Michael Watt
Consultant neurologist Dr Michael Watt Consultant neurologist Dr Michael Watt

Belfast health trust has recalled a further 209 patients who were under the care of consultant neurologist Dr Michael Watt.

The action was taken as part of a review following "safety concerns" about the work of Dr Watt, who was a consultant neurologist for the Belfast trust for more than 20 years and had extensive private clinics. He retired on medical grounds last year.

The people recalled today are former patients of Dr Watt who were seen and discharged between 1996 – 2012 and who are taking certain prescribed medications for specific neurological conditions. 

Belfast trust said those affected have received a letter asking them to set up a telephone review with a consultant neurologist. 

The trust said purpose of the appointment is to review the medication a person is taking and to ensure it is appropriate for their condition.

All reviews are expected to be completed within four weeks. 

Trust Chief Executive, Dr Cathy Jack said: "I am truly sorry that we have had to recall a further 209 people. I absolutely understand that this will cause worry and anxiety to a number of people and their families and I am deeply sorry for that.

"I also accept this next stage may be very difficult for those patients who have already been reviewed and whose diagnoses may have been changed as a result of our two previous recalls.

"Again, I want to express the trust’s sincere regret for all the hurt and pain caused over the last number of years and for the harm that has undoubtedly been done."

Last month The Irish News revealed that a consultant appointed to examine recall patients is facing serious professional misconduct charges relating to care failings.

Separate to the neurology recall, Belfast trust also reviewed the cases of 66 patients who had a blood patch procedure under the care of Dr Watt. The review established that 46 patients had care that was unsatisfactory. Additionally, the review established that for 45 patients there was no clinical evidence to support that a blood patch procedure was required.

Belfast trust said the Royal College of Physicians is undertaking an independent quality assurance process in relation to a review by the trust of blood patching. The college is concluding its work and will provide a final report in May. Belfast trust said the college has been able to provide an interim update and their findings are generally consistent with those of Belfast trust.

The recall was announced today as a review of Dr Watt's former patients found that around a fifth had received an "insecure diagnosis".

Health Minister Robin Swann expressed his concern and issued an unreserved public apology to the patients for distress caused.

Speaking in the assembly, Mr Swann outlined the findings of the review of a second cohort of Dr Watt's former patients.

Mr Swann said of this cohort involving 927 patients, 702 (75.7%) had a diagnosis that was considered to be secure, 181 (19.5%) had a diagnosis that was considered "not secure", whilst for 44 (just under 5%) patients there was uncertainty in respect of whether the previous diagnosis was secure.

Mr Swann said it is important to note that a diagnosis which is considered to be not secure "does not automatically equate to a misdiagnosis".

"Other factors need to be considered. The patients involved have been advised of the outcome of their individual cases," he said.

Mr Swann said that while a higher proportion of the second cohort of patients to be reviewed were assessed as having a secure diagnosis than for cohort one - almost 76% from 68% - there remained approximately one fifth of patients with an insecure diagnosis.

For any of Dr Watt’s previous patients who remain anxious of worried, support is available by ringing the Neurology Advice Line on 0800 980 1100