SDLP health spokesperson Cara Hunter has expressed her concern after reports that more than 9,000 Northern Trust patients have been contacted as part of a review into the work of a locum consultant radiologist. 

The consultant reported on 13,030 images involving 9,091 patients between July 2019 and February 2020 and the trust has announced a full review of their work.  

Images from patients taken at Antrim Area Hospital, Causeway Hospital, Whiteabbey Hospital, Mid Ulster Hospital and the Ballymena Health and Care Centre will be reviewed.  

Ms Hunter said the news would be very concerning for those who had undergone treatment at the affected hospitals. 

The East Derry MLA noted it was the latest in a number of patient reviews carried out into the work of healthcare professionals in the North.  

“My thoughts are with all the patients caught up in this review at what must be a very worrying time for them and their families,” Ms Hunter said. 

“Comments from Northern Trust Medical Director Seamus O’Reilly that patients may have experienced a delay in diagnosis are particularly alarming. 

“Questions must be asked around how this locum consultant continued to be engaged by the Northern Trust for such a long period and when did concerns first emerge around their work. 

“This is the latest in a long line of similar incidents and while the vast majority of our healthcare staff are highly skilled and work tirelessly for patients, the trusts must strive to restore public confidence.”