Urology Lookback Review outcomes statement issued by Southern HSC Trust
The Department of Health welcomes the publication by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust of the first outcomes report of the Urology Lookback Review.
The Urology Lookback Review was initiated by the Southern Trust following concerns about the clinical practice of the now retired consultant urologist, Mr Aidan O’Brien.
The outcomes report shows 2,112 patients have had their records examined, 527 of which were identified as requiring an appointment with a Southern Trust Urology Consultant.
Following review, 352 of these patients required a change in their care and treatment. The remaining 175 patients did not have any change.
The Southern Trust has also today announced that the review will be extended to include patients who were treated by Mr O’Brien for a urology cancer, or treated for renal stone disease.
These patients will be those living today and have not already had their care reviewed. The Trust will contact these patients directly.
Any private patients of Mr O’ Brien who may be concerned about any aspect of their urology care and treatment and would like to be included in the review are asked to contact the Southern Trust.
The Trust does not have access to private patient records.
A DoH spokesperson said: “The Department of Health wishes to again acknowledge the upset, distress and anxiety these matters have caused to the patients and families affected.
“The Department remains committed to improving patient safety by learning from the circumstances that led to this Lookback Review.
“For this reason the Department established the Independent Public Inquiry into Urology Services in the Southern HSC Trust.
The Inquiry is chaired by Christine Smith KC and will recommence hearing from witnesses in September 2023.
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The Activity and Outcomes Report for the first cohort of patients is available on the: Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s website .
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McGrath: Urology review underscores need for change
SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has welcomed the first Urology Lookback Review Outcome Report and said that it further underscores the need for reform of the health service.
South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “I welcome the publication of this first Urology Lookback Reviews Outcome Report which highlights that over 350 patients out of an initial 527 reviewed required a change to their care and treatment.
“That such a high number of patients have been impacted is something that should cause us serious concern.
“Patients need to have full faith that when they receive treatment within the NHS it is to the highest standard, with standards measured and assessed on a regular basis.
“It was clearly not the case in this instance with so many patients receiving care which fell well short of the standards expected, with significant consequences for them, their health and their families.
“I would echo the call from the Department of Health that any private patient of this consultant should contact the review team immediately and make sure that their voice is heard.
“It is the SDLP’s hope that this review will help identify the reform that is so needed within our health service.
“This will ensure that we are delivering care to patients which is of the highest standard, and that these errors are not repeated in future.”
