Background
The Independent Neurology Inquiry (INI) was established by the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health in May 2018. This was part of a series of actions taken in response to the recall of neurology patients by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
The inquiry was converted from a non-statutory public inquiry to a statutory Public Inquiry in December 2020 by the Minister of Health, to ensure that the Inquiry had unfettered access to all documentation. The Inquiry had a focus on governance. It was not responsible for the recall of neurology patients, for making decisions in relation to the clinical practice of former consultant neurologist Michael Watt or for compensation arrangements.
The Inquiry chaired by Mr Brett Lockhart KC, published its final report in June 2022. It makes 76 recommendations to the Department of Health, Healthcare Organisations, the General Medical Council and the Independent Sector. The report stated “The recommendations arise from the totality of the evidence and whereas some are a direct response to a particular single issue others attempt to address broader or more diverse matters. The theme that cuts across all the recommendations, whether expressly or implicitly, is the paramountcy of patient safety in all decisions at every level of healthcare organisations.”
The Independent Neurology Inquiry (INI) closed on 20 September 2022. Further information on the INI can be accessed through the following webpage Independent Neurology Inquiry
The INI Implementation Programme
The Department of Health established an Inquiries Implementation Programme to manage the implementation of the 76 INI recommendations. An Inquiries Implementation Programme Management Board (IIPMB) was set up to oversee the implementation of not only recommendations from the INI Report but also the Inquiry into Hyponatraemia Related Deaths (IHRD). For more information click here
Assurance Framework and Process
A proportionate level of independent assurances is essential to ensuring public confidence that the INI recommendations are implemented on a sustained basis. For more information click here
Independent Neurology Liaison Group
The Independent Neurology Liaison Group has been established to align with the work of the IIPMB Assurance Sub-group to further enhance feedback and recommendations from the service user, carer, and families, on the assurance process, by reviewing and providing feedback on the individual INI Implementation and Assurance Documents. For more information click here
Latest Publications
Other Departmental Neurology Related Work Programmes - Useful links
Contact Us
For further information please contact us:
Address: INI Implementation Team, Castle Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SQ
By Email: neurologydoh@health-ni.gov.uk