A new patient recall following only 2 years after the biggest patient recall in the history of Northern Ireland
On Tuesday 27th October 2020, health Minister Robin Swann issued a written statement to the Assembly regarding clinical concerns with the Urology department at the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. The Trust reported that the investigations began in the Summer and that the Consultant concerned, no longer works in the health service. However, it’s understood the consultant at the centre of the probe was located at Craigavon Area Hospital for quite some time.
This is understandably a worrying time as it comes only 2 years after the largest patient recall in Northern Ireland involving Neurology patients and the Belfast Trust. Similarly to the Neurology Recall, the Southern Health and Social Care Trust are bringing experts from outside the jurisdiction to assist with the recall.
The media reported that the Southern Trust have already started to contact patients so that their care can be reviewed. It has also been reported that The Department of Health has set up what it termed an “assurance group” to provide external oversight to the trust’s process. Mr Swann said he would publish terms of reference for the group alongside his assembly statement.
Here at P.A.Duffy & Company Solicitors, we have great experience in dealing with medical negligence and specifically involving recall exercises. We are dealing with a high volume of cases regarding the Neurology recall and appreciate that news of a new recall is particularly concerning and worrisome for many people.
If you or your family have been affected by the Southern Trust patient recall, please do not hesitate to contact our medical negligence team at PA Duffy & Company Solicitors. We can assist clients with obtaining medical history, instructing independent medical experts to assess whether duty of care was breached. We will also be able to fully explain and advise the patient and their family their options for pursuing legal action against the Trust.