Health Minister Robbie Butler has issued a full apology to patients and their families impacted by significant failings in neurology services. The apology comes after reports detailing poor clinical practice and inadequate oversight within the Belfast Health Trust.
Briege Donaghy from the RQIA (Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority) described the situation as "beyond sobering" and a "devastating picture of the human impact." She highlighted multiple instances of poor diagnostic practice, a lack of multidisciplinary team involvement, and communication failures that left patients and their families struggling to get answers. Donaghy noted that suspicions raised by family members about the care provided were often dismissed.
"It has taken for some, several decades, to get to the truth," Donaghy stated, adding that there was "a culture of dismissing and setting aside patients and families who raise concerns as being difficult, abrasive and denying people access to be heard."
The RQIA's initial report in November 2022 reviewed the records of 44 deceased patients. A subsequent phase saw an additional 25 families come forward, leading to a further review of records.
The Belfast Health Trust formally apologized on Thursday, stating it was "wholly and unreservedly sorry to everyone who had been affected by the neurology recalls since May 2018." The trust also expressed its thoughts were with the families of patients who had passed away.