In October 2020 the Minister of Health, Robin Swann confirmed in a statement to the assembly that a Department of Health review had commenced into treatment provided by Aidan O’Brien, Consultant Urologist who retired from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust earlier this year. More recently, Mr Swann has ordered a statutory public inquiry into serious concerns in relation to Mr O’Brien’s clinical practice. That announcement was made on the same day that Mr Swann upgraded the independent inquiry into Dr Michael Watt to a public inquiry.
In relation to the urology recall, it was confirmed in October 2020 that an internal investigation was commenced after concerns were raised in relation to treatment provided by Mr O’Brien following the handover of his patient files on retirement. At that stage only limited information was available and we were advised that a ‘small number’ of patients have been contacted and investigations were ongoing to establish the precise number of patients whose treatment needs to be reviewed.
Further details have now emerged. Mr Swann confirmed that the Department of Health was first made aware of Trust concerns in June of this year; these concerns related to the delay in patients being sent for surgery. Over 1,000 patients’ records were subsequently recalled by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and over 270 patients contacted.
Mr Swann has confirmed that 9 cases meet the threshold for a serious adverse incident (SAI) review, while a further six cases are being reviewed.
This is a matter of serious concern particularly when considered in the context of the 2018 recall of neurology patients.
Worthingtons act for a number of patients who have been affected by the neurology recall within the Belfast Trust and can also advise and assist anyone impacted by this most recent urology recall.
If you or a family member are one of the patients recalled by the Trust, we will work to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to for the pain and suffering you have endured, as well as for any financial losses you have suffered or will suffer, as a result.
At Worthingtons Solicitors, we provide a personalised service so that you can discuss your claim in a welcoming, safe, and confidential environment. As experts in the area of medical negligence, we can best advise you whether to proceed with your claim and discuss how to best move forward. Legal Aid is often available to support clinical negligence cases.
If you would like advice and guidance on this process, please contact Claire McDaid at our Belfast office on 028 9043 4015.
028 9043 4015 