Mallon calls on Belfast Trust to give better support to neurology recall patients

Wednesday, 9 May 2018 14:56

By Grainne Connolly @grainne555

by Gráinne Connolly

A number of patients being recalled to the Belfast Health Trust over the work of Consultant Neurologist Michael Watt, have been asked to re-schedule their appointments.

2,500 people were told of concerns last week as an independant review was launched into Dr.Watt.

Concerns were then raised by fellow Doctors and the Trust says it aims to see all patients within 12 weeks.

North Belfast MLA, Nichola Mallon says not enough information is being given as to why or how many people's appointments are being rescheduled.

SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon has called on the Belfast Trust to step up in providing greater support, including counselling services, for neurology patients attending the recall clinic who receive news of a possible misdiagnosis.

The North Belfast MLA said:

“I have been contacted by more than one patient over the last few days who have attended the recall clinic and had their world turned upside down by news of a possible wrong diagnosis. These patients were offered no counselling and no support after receiving such traumatic news. One patient told me they have been suffering anxiety attacks since. They felt they had no other option but to contact their GP for help and have been told they need to wait two weeks for an appointment. That is not acceptable.

“Recall patients are already highly distressed. To be told by a consultant that you are facing a possible misdiagnosis is devastating. The Trust must provide greater support and offer counselling to these patients. It is also essential that the Trust communicates quickly and clearly with patients advising them of the next steps and timeframe for further investigation and diagnosis so they are not just left waiting in turmoil.

“Patients cannot be left like this. I have contacted the Belfast Trust asking for details of what support and counselling it intends to provide to recall patients, the timeframe for fast-tracking further investigations and confirmation of when it will hold the face to face meetings with groups of patients it agreed to at our meeting last Friday.

"Patients need a voice and the SDLP will continue to raise issues and ask all necessary questions of all concerned on their behalf”.