In a statement, Mr Butler said he sincerely apologises for the failings in care that have been identified.
Stormont Health Minister Robbie Butler has issued an apology after a review prompted by concerns over the work of a former consultant neurologist revealed the “devastating impact” on his patients and their families.
The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) review was prompted over the work of Michael Watt, who has since been struck off.
The final report of the review found that a combination of poor diagnostic practice, inadequate communication, isolated clinical decision-making, weak multidisciplinary oversight and a lack of patient-centred care resulted in standards of care that frequently fell below expectations.
It concluded that in some cases harm was caused through delayed or misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and failures in communication and support.
The review also found evidence of the “devastating impact of poor clinical practice on patients and their families”.
Publishing its final review on Thursday, the RQIA also paid tribute to the families involved, adding their testimonies provided evidence and understanding that clinical records alone could not offer.
It has said it has co-developed a patient safety culture framework for health and social care in Northern Ireland to “drive a positive patient and staff safety culture across the whole system”.
RQIA chairwoman Christine Collins also paid tribute to the patients affected and their families.
“I have no hesitation in saying that, in my view, the strong and clear focus now being placed on patient safety across the system is due to the courage and determination of patients and families to seek the truth and insist on change, so that others do not suffer as they have suffered,” she said.
“RQIA recognises that such family involvement comes at a personal cost. How painful it is to share the experience of losing a loved one, and how brave and public-spirited it is to do so.
“We can only thank all the families involved, and hope that this review, and the actions taken as a result, stand as a positive legacy.”
In a statement, Mr Butler said he sincerely apologises for the failings in care that have been identified.
“I want to acknowledge the loved ones whose lives are being remembered today. Their loss is deeply felt by their families, and it is right that we pause to remember them and the impact their deaths have had on those closest to them,” he said.
He described the report’s findings as “concerning”.
“Patient safety must always remain our fundamental priority,” he said.
“The findings in this report are deeply concerning and reinforce issues identified through an earlier phase of the review.
“I recognise the distress that this publication may cause, and on behalf of the wider Health and Social Care system (HSC), I sincerely apologise for the failings in care that have been identified.”
He continued: “This report provides an important opportunity to reflect on past failings and to strengthen patient safety across the HSC system.
“The findings reinforce the importance of openness, effective communication, multidisciplinary working, professional challenge and a culture in which concerns are listened to and acted upon.
“My Department remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance patient safety, strengthen public confidence and help prevent similar failings from occurring in the future.”
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