Belfast neurology consultant temporarily suspended

A doctor at the centre of a recall of more than 3,000 neurology patients across Northern Ireland has been temporarily suspended from practice.

Dr Michael Watt is a Consultant Neurologist based at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, but also works in a private capacity.

Following a tribunal hearing in Manchester on Thursday 3 January, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service have decided to place an interim suspension on Dr Watt, subject to review.

• READ MORE: Belfast Trust recalls 2,500 patients after doctor probe

In May 2018, it was revealed that the Trust and the Royal College of Physicians both carried out a year-long review of patient notes relating to the work of Dr Watt.

As a result of that, the Department of Health announced that an independent inquiry was to be set up in order to review the neurology patient recall by the Belfast Trust.

The inquiry, which is still ongoing, will look at the circumstances which led to the recall of thousands of former patients of Dr Watt.

The panel is made up of chair Brett Lockhart QC and Dr Hugo Mascie-Taylor.