A cross-party delegation of MLAs hosted a meeting today in Stormont with former patients of Neurologist Dr Michael Watt.

Speaking after the meeting MLA’s stated:

“Today we hosted a large group of neurology patients concerned about the treatment they received while in the care of the Belfast Trust.

“These patients were among the 3,200 people involved in the Belfast Trust’s largest ever recall of patients.

“We listened to the harrowing accounts of former patients and their families and the impact the care they received has had and continues to have on their health and well being.

“Despite assurances from the Belfast Trust and the Department of Health at the outset of the recall process the health authorities are not being open and transparent.

“Patients are entitled to a high standard of care and openness and their concerns in this regard need to be taken seriously by the Department of Health.

“Deep concern was expressed by patients with the postponement of the interim report into the neurology recall by the department.

“The Permanent Secretary of Health needs to publish the interim report as a matter of urgency.”