Former breast surgeon Ian Paterson was convicted in 2017 of 17 counts of wounding with intent and three counts of unlawful wounding and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. However, despite more than 11,000 NHS and private healthcare patients being recalled and fundamental questions asked about the number of needless operations undertaken between 1993 and 2011, the fallout from his actions still continues.
13 new inquests were opened at Birmingham Coroner’s Court on Friday 28 October 2022. They looked at other former patients of Paterson’s to decide whether any of the women died of unnatural causes due to “potentially substandard treatment.”
Catalogue of serious failings
Adjourning the 13 inquests, to enable further investigation, Birmingham and Solihull Senior Coroner Louise Hunt said. ‘I have reason to believe their deaths were caused, or contributed to, by substandard treatment provided by Mr Paterson and other clinicians involved in the care of the deceased.’ She added that ‘future inquests would also consider any failings in supervision of Paterson, including by clinical colleagues and whether they should have informed the appropriate authorities.’
Ms Hunt is also looking at the wider circumstances of their deaths including inaction by regulatory agencies, failings in the culture at the hospitals where Mr Paterson worked, a dysfunctional healthcare system, as well as discovering whether the recall system of patients was fit for purpose.
More victims?
Kiran Jalota, Head of Medical Negligence & Personal Injury comments. ‘We have acted for many victims of Paterson already and have plenty of experience in this matter. These latest inquests highlight the fact that there are many more victims who have not yet had an opportunity to come forward and share their heart-breaking story. If this has affected you, or someone you know was a former patient at either Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Spire Parkway Solihull, or Spire Little Aston hospitals, please get in touch. We can help and support you in this very painful legal process, so you can get financial recompense and some much-needed closure.’
Free initial meeting for support and advice
At Alsters Kelley, we are here to help you to seamlessly navigate the claims process. With years of experience, we aim to minimise the impact of the process and secure the compensation you may be entitled to.
If you have any concerns about the treatment you have received and would like help or advice, please contact Kiran Jalota on 01926 356030 or email kiran.jalota@alsterskelley.com.
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