Neurology Recall Compensation

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This page provides an overview and guidance for Neurology Recall patients seeking compensation

What is the Neurology Recall?

Due to concerns about the standard of treatment being provided by former consultant neurologist Michael Watt, at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, a number of the consultant’s patients have been recalled for their case to be reviewed. The consultant was restricted from clinical practice in July 2017.

Neurology Recall Cohort 1

The first recall of patients started in May 2018 and included patients who had been under the active care of the consultant neurologist. A report on the results of this recall “Cohort 1 Outcomes Report” was published in December 2019. A copy of the report can be found on the Department website.

Neurology Recall Cohort 2

In October 2018, previous patients of the consultant neurologist in this high risk group, that were seen by him between 2012 and 2017, but discharged back to the care of their GP, were invited for a review.

Neurology Recall: Cohort 2 report was published in April 2021.

Neurology Recall Cohort 3

Cohort 3 comprises those people who had been under the care of former consultant neurologist between June 1996 and March 2012 who had returned to the care of their General Practitioner (GP), had not subsequently been under the care of another consultant neurologist, and had been prescribed one or more specific medications during the period 1 February 2020 to 31 July 2020.

An addendum to the “Neurology Recall: Cohort 3 Activity and Outcomes Report”, and the “Neurology Recall Cohort 1, 2 and 3 Summary Report” were published on 27 April 2023. This concluded the extension to the Neurology Recall Cohort 3.

Following the publication of the Cohort 3 Outcomes Report, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust identified a further 19 patients as falling within Cohort 3 of the recall and who required a review appointment. On 7 September 2022 a Written Assembly Statement confirmed the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust extension to the Neurology Recall Cohort 3.

Neurology Recall Compensation

In 2018 the Department announced a work stream to consider a potential neurology redress scheme. A Project Board was initiated and following consideration of redress options it concluded that a neurology redress or early resolution scheme is not a suitable method to address neurology recall claims.

On 9 June 2022 the Minister of Health confirmed the arrangements for neurology compensation by way of a Written Assembly statement. The statement outlined that a neurology redress or early resolution scheme is not a suitable method to address neurology recall claims as it would not support a fair resolution and remedy for patients and families seeking compensation. Therefore, each neurology recall case will be considered on its own merit to ensure a just outcome for those affected, and to ensure that claimants receive the compensation they deserve.

All claims received in respect of the care provided by former consultant neurologist Michael Watt should be submitted under the standard arrangements for health service litigation claims. A streamlined approach has also been developed and will be used where appropriate. Whilst the Department cannot provide legal advice to patients and families, we can advise that should you wish to pursue a compensation claim you should seek appropriate independent legal advice. Solicitors who act in professional negligence cases can be found by using the following link to the Law Society of Northern Ireland website - (by selecting - ‘Find a Solicitor’). It is important to understand that making a claim can be stressful and it is not possible to provide a timeframe for how long the process can take to complete. It is also important at the beginning of the process that you discuss potential costs and funding which may be available with your solicitor. Anyone wishing to initiate a claim against the Belfast Trust has until 21 June 2026 to issue proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Support Materials

The following materials are a short guide to help you better understand the claims process. It is important to note that the legal process can be complicated and you should talk through the process with your solicitor.

Flyer

Flow chart

Additional Support

If you require any additional neurological support please contact the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust Neurological Care Advisory Service, which offers a signposting to support services, charities and organisations for those living with a chronic neurological condition. The Advisory Service can be contacted on 02895042270'. This service is available from Monday to Friday 9:00am-4.30pm, with an answerphone service available out of hours and Bank Holidays, or by emailing neurocareadvice@belfasttrust.hscni.net