The South Belfast MLA stated: “The scale of the failure which led to this recall remains profoundly shocking, and we should note that among the over 2000 people affected just by the first part of this recall, some have sadly not lived to see any sort of resolution. This is a tragedy for many people and families, which simply shouldn't have occurred.
 
“While it is welcome that an initial recall of patients seen during 2019 and 2020 has taken place, there remains considerable work to be done. It is important to emphasise that support is required not just to change treatment where appropriate, but to help people through this period of profound stress and uncertainty.
 
“While parallels will be drawn with the Independent Neurology Inquiry, it is essential that this fundamental failure of service to patients is investigated in its own right. We have to learn what can be done to put things right for those affected, where possible. We also have to be clear that this is not just about learning lessons for the future, but about building awareness about what could be happening right now within the system.
 
“This is why urgent action on reforming the system to prioritise patient safety is essential including, in our view, consideration of the establishment of an independent Patient Safety Commissioner similar to that proposed for Scotland.”