The NHS in Northern Ireland has recalled over 2500 neurology
patients for a case review amid fears of misdiagnosis.
This recall follows a review of the treatment carried out by consultant
neurologist Dr Michael Watt who had worked at the Belfast Health and Social
Care Trust over a period of 20 years. It includes patients, both adults and
children, who have been diagnosed with a wide range of neurological conditions
including epilepsy, MS, Parkinson's Disease, Stroke and Motor Neurone Disease.
The recall may also be extended to patients who are now deceased. The Trust
will ensure a review is carried out on each patient to ensure the correct
treatment is being administered and to check for any misdiagnosis of
conditions.
Concerns were originally raised by a G.P. in 2016 and Dr Watt who
had not seen patients since summer of 2017. Patients will, quite rightly, be
anxious to know whether they have been diagnosed with the correct condition,
whether they suffer with this condition at all and whether they have been
prescribed the correct medication and treatment. There are fears that some
medication prescribed may have caused unnecessary harm to patients.
It raises the question as to how this was allowed to happen and a
question as to whether there is a lack of scrutiny across the wider NHS.
This recall comes just a couple of months after the BBC reported
the cost of negligence claims to have almost doubled since 2010 with 1.7
billion being spent in 2016/2017. Whilst we all appreciate the financial
strain the NHS is under, this recall may be a sign that the NHS are
becoming more open to admitting potential fault at an earlier stage. If this is
the case it will minimise costs incurred by both parties in what can normally
be a long drawn out process involving court proceedings. This obviously does
nothing to assist patients who have suffered as a result of the wrongdoing of
the medical profession.
At Ramsdens we are well versed in acting for patients
who wish to claim against the NHS for misdiagnosis,
prescription errors and medical negligence resulting in brain injury and
fatalities. We recognise these are not easy claims to make and the consequences
of medical negligence will extend to the whole family. Our expert legal team
will support you and your family through any complaints procedure and the
claim that follows, helping you to obtain results as swiftly as possible.
If you or a loved one has suffered at the hands of a medical
professional, do not hesitate to contact us about your claim. Call us on
0800 804 7450, or text CLAIMS to 80988.