24th November 2020
The Southern Trust welcomes the announcement today by the Health Minister of a Statutory Public Inquiry into the work of a single urology consultant who was based in Craigavon Area Hospital.
Chief Executive, Mr Shane Devlin said: “The Minister’s statement demonstrates the high level of concern in relation to this issue which we share and are working hard to address. We have been working closely with the Department to date and we will be fully co-operating with the Inquiry process.
To date 1159 patients’ records have been initially reviewed. As a result 262 patients have been contacted along with additional 9 patients / families whose care is subject to independent Serious Adverse Incident reviews. Our staff have been working diligently to quickly identify patients whose care may be a cause for concern and we will continue to focus our efforts on doing our best for all our patients.
“Our Urology team based in Craigavon Area Hospital provide care for thousands of patients each year and the current review is focused on a small proportion of these cases. We have full confidence in our team and in the care they provide.
“I know that this maybe very worrying for patients and families who have received care within our Urology service and for that I sincerely apologise for the distress and concern this news will cause.
“We have already been in touch with patients/families who we have identified through our urgent review of cases, and invited those who we have clinical concerns about to come for a review appointment so we can be assured that their treatment is appropriate. We have been running extra clinics, and have also arranged for patients to have their care reviewed in the Independent Sector.
“As we continue to review patient notes, it is likely that further patients will be contacted and invited to have their care assessed.
An information line has been set up 0800 4148520 between 10am and 5pm Monday to Friday or email urology.enquiry@southerntrust.hscni.net for anyone who is worried and seeking support.”