Michael Watt: Police to investigate former 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.

More than 5,000 patients were recalled amid concerns over his clinical practice.

Det Ch Insp Neil McGuinness said that police "recognise wholeheartedly that this will be a harrowing time for many".

He told the media on Tuesday that Michael Watt worked for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and also held private clinics at Hillsborough Private Clinic and the Ulster Independent Clinic.

"We are appealing to former patients, or their next of kin and representatives, who wish to report concerns regarding their medical treatment by Michael Watt, to contact police," he said.

Detectives said they have not yet spoken to the former doctor.

Among the conditions being treated by him were stroke, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis (MS).

More than five thousand patients were recalled and 4.179 attended.

About one in five were told they had not been given an appropriate management plan for their condition, while a similar number had not been issued an appropriate prescription.

So far about 20 patients have contacted police with concerns about clinical treatments he carried out.

Danielle O'Neill, a former patient of Michael Watt, said she and others were 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.

An email has been sent to patients and families of deceased patients, explaining that the investigation is called Operation Begrain.

A dedicated 24-7 online reporting platform has been created on the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) website, which contains all relevant information, including a QR code and link to the Major Incident Public Portal .

There are two separate forms with a number of key questions. One is specifically for, or on behalf of, patients and the other is for representatives of patients who have died.

There is also a dedicated helpline number 0800 051 6071 which will operate between 09:00 GMT and 15:30 GMT from Monday to Friday.

Det Insp Gina Quinn outlined the process that will follow reports being received by the public.

"In the weeks following your report, you will receive a letter by email from the investigation team explaining how you can contact the team in the future and outlining to you what the next steps will be," she said.

"Once we have a better understanding of how many people wish to engage with police we will be able to update on predicted timeframes. What I can say with confidence at this stage though, is it will be a long, protracted and complex investigation.

"We realise this will be a traumatic time for many people and we will endeavour to give regular updates throughout this investigation."

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 Michael 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.