- By Marie-Louise Connolly
- BBC News NI health correspondent
Michael Watt worked at the Royal Victoria Hospital as a neurologist
The police have begun an investigation into the clinical practices of former consultant neurologist Michael Watt.
He was at the centre of Northern Ireland’s largest patient recall in 2018.
Over 5,000 patients were recalled amid concerns over his clinical practice.
In a highly significant move, an email was sent to patients and families of deceased patients and explained that the investigation is called Operation Begrain.
It will be conducted by a Major Investigation team led by Det Ch Insp Neil McGuinness and Detective Insp Gina Quinn.
‘Complete shock’
Danielle O’Neill, a former patient of Dr Watt, said she and others are in “complete shock and hope that at last justice will be done”.
“It’s been a long and difficult five years and it is not over yet,” she added.
Earlier this month a medical tribunal found that the former doctor’s fitness to practice was “currently impaired” and that his professional performance was “unacceptable”.
The panel imposed an immediate order of suspension on his registration, to cover the 28-day appeal period before he will be officially struck off from the register.
‘Capture patients’ concerns’
In a letter seen by BBC News NI, it is explained that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) intends to alert the media to the investigation on Tuesday.
An appeal will also be made to former patients who have concerns regarding their medical treatment by Michael Watt, to come forward to the police.
A short questionnaire will also be shared in order to “capture patients’ concerns”, that information will go straight to the investigation team and will be the first step in the police investigative process.
Patients and families of those who are now deceased have fought long and hard for this police investigation.
While they have been focussed on one for years – they said they were taken by complete surprise when confirmation came through that it was happening.
It is a hugely significant move and another example of families who feel let down by Northern Ireland’s health care system and say that their only recourse is to seek legal redress through a medical tribunal and the courts.
An independent inquiry, in June 2022, found that the Belfast Health Trust failed to intervene quickly enough in the practice of Michael Watt.
In fact the chair, Brett Lockhart QC, went even further and concluded that the “combined effect of the failures ensure that patterns in the consultant’s work were missed for a decade”.
The Belfast trust’s apology was never enough for those caught up in the Inquiry.
Some families have told BBC News NI that this police investigation should not be limited to the former doctor but should stretch to those who were in charge as well.
In November the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) carried out the fitness to practise hearing in which the former doctor’s legal representatives withdrew from the tribunal, expressing concerns around the impact the public hearing would have on Watt’s health.
The hearing proceeded without him attending.
A previous MPTS tribunal granted Dr Watt voluntary removal from the medical register. However, the High Court in Belfast quashed that ruling.
BBC News NI has approached representatives of Michael Watt for comment.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
