The Belfast Health Trust is examining approximately 670 patient records as part of an expanding investigation into the clinical practice of cardiologist Dr Ernest Lau, who implanted specialist heart devices over a 16-year period from 2007 to 2023.
In May, initial reporting revealed that more than 160 patients with advanced cardiac conditions may have received procedures that were not clinically necessary. The trust has since clarified that 684 CRT implant cases from the 2007-2023 period were reviewed, with 163 patients identified for follow-up. The trust issued an apology and acknowledged that the patient recall process was not ideal, though it stressed that the devices themselves remain safe and that affected individuals should not experience undue anxiety.
Medical Director Dr Chris Hagan issued a formal apology for any distress caused and confirmed that all impacted patients would receive written notification.
We need to work out if anything more needs to be done with that device, but I want to reassure them that they don't need to worry about it at the minute.
The devices in question are Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) implants—small electronic devices designed to regulate abnormal heart rhythms and improve the heart's pumping efficiency in patients with specific cardiac conditions.
How did the review begin?
The investigation was triggered by a patient complaint lodged in 2023, which prompted the Belfast Health Trust to notify the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and request a formal review. However, concerns about Dr Lau's clinical practice had surfaced earlier. According to reporting on the trust's response, colleagues raised concerns about the cardiologist in 2020, but no action was taken until the patient complaint three years later prompted contact with the Royal College of Physicians.
What is the current status of the review?
The trust is currently assessing 135 living patients to establish whether their CRT device was clinically indicated for their condition. As of the latest update, 29 patients have completed their review appointment, though the trust has indicated the full process will require several months to conclude. The trust stated that patients are being written to with an invitation for a cardiology review, or told they could request one.
The trust also examined records of deceased patients who had received CRT implants during the same period, and no problems had been identified in those cases at the time of the initial review.
What is Dr Lau's current employment status?
Dr Lau remains on the trust's payroll as a paid employee but has not been engaged in clinical work or seen patients since 2023. When questioned in July about why the cardiologist continued to receive a full salary despite not performing clinical duties, the trust declined to provide further comment, stating only that internal HR processes were ongoing and it would be inappropriate to discuss the matter at that time.
What happens next?
Patients will continue to be contacted for follow-up consultations as the review progresses over the coming months. The trust has emphasised that those affected do not need to take immediate action regarding their devices, and that all necessary information and guidance will be provided through formal written communication and scheduled appointments.
This review is part of a broader pattern of scrutiny affecting healthcare services across the region. The initial recall of over 160 heart patients fitted with CRT devices between 2007 and 2023 drew significant attention from elected representatives, with Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan requesting an urgent oral question on the recall of 163 patients fitted with CRT devices.
Key Facts
- Approximately 670 patient records are being examined; 135 living patients are undergoing formal review to determine if their CRT device was clinically necessary
- The investigation was prompted by a patient complaint in 2023, though colleagues had raised concerns about Dr Lau's practice as early as 2020
- Dr Lau has not seen patients or engaged in clinical work since 2023 but remains a paid employee; the trust has not disclosed details of ongoing HR processes
- The review is expected to take several months to complete, with 29 patients having completed their review appointments so far
- The trust has emphasised that CRT devices are safe and that affected patients do not require immediate action
