To ask the Minister of Health whether relatives of the deceased patients of Michael Watt will be reimbursed for legal action taken in the lead up to case reviews.

Neurology compensation arrangements were announced by Ministerial Statement to the Assembly on 9 June 2022, by the former Minister of Health. These arrangements included a streamlined process, supported by a set of guiding principles and the potential to instruct a “joint expert” to provide a joint medical report, at no expense to eligible patients/families. The Assembly Statement can be found at https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/doh-wms-090622.pdf

As in the normal course of litigation, in the event that legal action is successful, claiming back costs may be possible. Patients and families considering legal action should discuss costs, potential for claiming back costs and potential available funding with their solicitor at the beginning of the legal process, alongside the merits of their case.

The Department’s Neurology Recall Compensation webpage provides further relevant information at https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/neurology-recall-compensation