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Royal Victoria Hospital immunology care review offer | Royal Victoria Hospital immunology care review offer |
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Fifty-nine 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 the Belfast Trust after concerns about the management of some patients. | |
Those affected are patients with chronic skin conditions, extreme allergies or joint problems. | Those affected are patients with chronic skin conditions, extreme allergies or joint problems. |
The trust has said its move is a precautionary measure to ensure they have received appropriate treatment. | The trust has said its move is a precautionary measure to ensure they have received appropriate treatment. |
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". | 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". |
People who attend the immunology clinic at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast have either a weakened or over-worked immune system. | |
This means that they are more susceptible to infection. In some cases their immune system doesn't exist. | |
Patients are normally given a course of steroids or strong medication to build up their anti-bodies which will protect them from disease and infection. | |
The BBC has been contacted by several patients who attend this clinic. | |
They have told the BBC that in the past number of months their courses of treatment, including medication, have been changed. | |
An independent expert was brought in from England to review cases. | An independent expert was brought in from England to review cases. |
When asked if the move was serious, a trust spokesperson replied: "It's important these patients are taking the correct medication." | 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. | 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 vice-chairman of the health committee, Jim Wells, called the review a "very worrying incident". | |
"There must be swift action to reassure the public that the matter is being appropriately addressed," he added. | |
"It is vital that those who are affected by this recall receive notification as soon as possible. The trust must act to ensure that no further stress is added to this situation." | |
The trust has established an advice line on 028 90636330 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). | It will be open until 21:00 BST on Tuesday and from 08:00 until 18:00 BST until Friday (21 October). |