Fear amid Craigavon hospital X-ray claim

A senior consultant at the hospital contacted a BBC radio show last week to make the claims that 27 per cent of all the x-rays taken were not properly reviewed, compromising patient safety.

Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly said the Southern Trust must immediately let people know if there is a problem with radiology services at the hospital.

“It is incumbent upon the Trust to quickly get the full facts and either confirm or deny whether or not there is a radiology problem at Craigavon Area Hospital,” said Mrs Kelly.

“Patients are worried and need reassurance and it is imperative that they are told the full truth by the Trust. This is too serious a matter to play on the emotions of people.

“While I welcome the Health Minister’s timely announcement that there is to be a review of reporting structures within each health trust, I hope that this is completed in a robust fashion and is not mere tokenism.

“I will be speaking to the Chief Executive of the Southern Area Trust to express the people’s grave concerns about these allegations and will be demanding from them the openness and honesty that the public deserve.”

Sinn Fein MLA John O’Dowd said, “When senior consultants allege that ‘patient safety was being compromised’ we have to pay attention.

“It is of the outmost importance that the Regulatory Health Authority investigate these claims as a matter of urgency and report back as quickly as possible with proposals, if and where they are necessary. An immediate and prompt investigation is essential to allay patient fear and restore confidence in the Health Service.”