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Reviews / 2022

Statutory inquiryPublishedAcute careNorthern Ireland

Independent Neurology Inquiry

Brett Lockhart KC · work from 2018 · published 2022

What this was

Statutory inquiry into neurology services in Belfast after the largest patient recall in Northern Ireland, concerning the practice of Dr Michael Watt. It examined complaints, governance and candour.

Why it sits in the hub

It is Paterson's problem in a different specialty and a different UK country: outlier practice, colleagues who were uneasy, and a system slow to recall patients and tell them the truth.

Findings

  1. Finding 1

    Concerns about a consultant's practice were not acted on early enough, and a large recall followed.

    Data and early warningRegulation and oversightSpeaking up

Recommendations in this hub

The source reports 76 recommendations or essential actions. The notes below are a paraphrase, not the official text.

  1. 1Partly doneDepartment of Health, Northern Ireland

    Give boards a clearer duty to act on outlier clinical practice and to recall patients promptly.

    CandourLeadership and boards
  2. 2Partly doneTrusts and the Department

    Strengthen how complaints about a senior clinician are handled.

    Complaints and redressCulture and conduct