Eleven More Inquests to Open in Connection with Convicted Breast Surgeon Ian Paterson
Eleven more inquests are set to be opened this week as part of an ongoing investigation into the deaths of former patients of disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson. Paterson, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for performing unnecessary or unauthorized surgeries on over 1,000 breast cancer patients, continues to be the subject of a wide-ranging inquiry. The investigation is focused on uncovering the full extent of harm caused by his malpractice, which took place across multiple hospitals in the West Midlands.
Ian Paterson, who worked at Spire Parkway Hospital, Spire Little Aston Hospital, and several NHS hospitals run by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust between 1997 and 2011, was convicted in 2017. He was found guilty of 17 counts of wounding with intent for carrying out unnecessary breast surgeries, some of which were based on false cancer diagnoses. His unethical and dangerous practices impacted the lives of more than a thousand patients, and he was ultimately sentenced to 20 years in prison.
An independent inquiry into Paterson's activities revealed a "culture of avoidance and denial" within the healthcare system, which allowed him to continue practicing despite numerous red flags. This "willful blindness" by both NHS and private healthcare institutions meant that many patients were subjected to dangerous procedures that they did not need.
Coronar Richard Foster has been appointed to oversee the inquests. The announcement that 11 more inquests will be opened comes after a review of 417 cases involving Paterson's former patients. These new inquests will open and be adjourned on Friday, bringing the total number of deaths under investigation to more than 30.
Of the 36 patients currently subject to an inquest, 29 were treated in NHS hospitals, and seven were patients in Spire Healthcare facilities. The ongoing investigation is expected to expand, with initial inquiries under Section 1(7) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 already being conducted to determine whether there is reason to suspect that any of Paterson's former patients died as a result of his care and treatment.
A statement released on Monday on behalf of the investigation emphasized the difficulties in identifying causes of death for many of Paterson's former patients. It noted that for 294 additional cases, the cause of death remains unknown because it has not been possible to locate a death certificate, despite significant efforts by the Coroner's Officers.
The next-of-kin of Paterson's former patients are being encouraged to come forward and contact the inquest's solicitors through the coroner's Paterson investigation website. Their input is crucial in piecing together the potential extent of Paterson's impact on patient mortality.
Another pre-inquest review hearing is expected to take place later in 2023 or early 2024, with the final hearings likely to begin in late 2024. As the investigation progresses, the scope of Paterson's malpractice and its consequences for his former patients will continue to come to light.
The investigation into the deaths of former patients treated by Ian Paterson is far from over. The addition of 11 more inquests underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for a thorough and transparent inquiry to deliver justice for those affected. As more information comes to light, the healthcare system must also learn from this tragic case to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
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