This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-northern-ireland-15357954

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Royal Victoria Hospital immunology care review offer Royal Victoria Hospital immunology care review offer
(about 1 hour later)
About sixty patients with conditions affecting their immune systems have been offered a review appointment at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Fifty-nine patients with conditions affecting their immune systems have been offered a review appointment at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
It follows a report commissioned by Belfast Trust after concerns about the management of some patients.It follows a report commissioned by Belfast Trust after concerns about the management of some patients.
The trust has said it is a precautionary measure to ensure they have received appropriate treatment. Those affected are patients with chronic skin conditions, extreme allergies or joint problems.
The patients affected are adults with autoimmune disease and autoimmune deficiency. The trust has said its move is a precautionary measure to ensure they have received appropriate treatment.
An autoimmune disease is one where the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body by mistake. BBC Northern Ireland health correspondent Marie-Louise Connolly said the alert was raised in August "after a significant difference in medical opinion emerged surrounding the treatment of a number of patients".
An autoimmune deficiency is a condition where the body has an inability to fight infection. An independent expert was brought in from England to review cases.
Belfast Health and Social Trust Medical Director Dr Tony Stevens said: "We are asking the patients to come in for a review - as a precautionary measure - to reassure them and ourselves that the treatment and care they are receiving is appropriate to their needs. When asked if the move was serious, a trust spokesperson replied: "It's important these patients are taking the correct medication."
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Medical Director Dr Tony Stevens said: "We are asking the patients to come in for a review - as a precautionary measure - to reassure them and ourselves that the treatment and care they are receiving is appropriate to their needs.
"Anyone who needs to be contacted will have received a phone call or letter by 17:00 BST on Wednesday (19 October) offering an appointment over the next two to three weeks at a time that suits them best.""Anyone who needs to be contacted will have received a phone call or letter by 17:00 BST on Wednesday (19 October) offering an appointment over the next two to three weeks at a time that suits them best."
The trust has established an advice line for anyone who may feel concerned or anxious. The trust has established an advice line on 028 90636330 for anyone who may feel concerned or anxious.
It will be open until 21:00 BST on Tuesday and from 08:00 until 18:00 BST until Friday (21 October). The number is 028 90636330. It will be open until 21:00 BST on Tuesday and from 08:00 until 18:00 BST until Friday (21 October).