More than 140 people have been offered new appointments by Belfast’s Mater Hospital following a review of MRI scan diagnoses made by a radiologist who was later removed from duty.
Northern Ireland health minister Michael McGimpsey said 143 patients would be seen again following the review.
It was ordered after concerns were raised regarding the accuracy of the reporting of MRI scans by one radiologist between April and October 2007.
The radiologist was employed by MRI Centre (Ireland) to deliver and report on MRI scans at the Mater Hospital. He was removed from duty last year, no longer practises in Northern Ireland and faces action by the General Medical Council.
In total MRI scans relating to 676 patients were re-reported by an expert medical team, during the review – the majority of which related to orthopaedic conditions.
The Department of Health said the review confirmed that, in the majority of cases, the diagnosis and care provided to patients was appropriate.
It said that while no significant issues had been identified, and as a purely precautionary measure, 143 patients would be invited to a review appointment to discuss their ongoing care.
Mr McGimpsey said: “I understand the offer of a review appointment for 143 of these patients will be worrying, but I want to stress that this is purely precautionary and the risk of any adverse reaction is extremely low.”
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