A PETITION calling for the decision to move Ian Paterson to an open prison be reversed has garnered support from Saqib Bhatti, Meriden and Solihull East MP.
The rouge breast surgeon was jailed for 20 years in 2017 for carrying out unnecessary procedures on his patients and the deaths of more than 60 woman have been linked to his work.
As a consultant surgeon Paterson carried out procedures in numerous hospitals across the West Midlands, including Solihull Hospital.
He is currently under investigation for further crimes with six new inquests being opened in January 2024.
Initially, Mr Paterson was placed in a Category C prison, which is known as a training and resettlement prison and does not allow a prisoner to be in open conditions.
His proposed move is to a Category D prison, which has minimal security and allows eligible prisoners to spend most of their day away from prison, on license, for work or education.
According to Mr Bhatti none of Paterson’s victims were notified of this move, and it was only discovered due to media coverage of the decision.
Mr Bhatti received correspondence from his constituents who have been affected by Paterson’s actions asking for his support in opposing the proposed move.
In response, the Conservative MP contacted the Justice Department to ask that they reconsider allowing Paterson more freedom due to the ongoing distress it is causing victims and their loved ones.
Mr Bhatti said: “It is urgent that the decision to move Ian Paterson to a Category D prison is reviewed and reversed. His actions have caused unspeakable pain to so many people, and this move is only increasing the anguish felt by the victims.
“I will continue to support my constituents and amplify their voices in objecting to this decision.”
Victims and their families have garnered more than 1,200 signatures after launching an online petition for a reversal of the decision last week.
Petition organiser, Deborah Douglas, wrote on the page: “Paterson was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his heinous acts that resulted in significant harm to his patients. He has only served 7 years of this sentence and has being given approval to move to an open category D prison.
“Transferring him to a lower-security facility would not only undermine the severity of his crimes but also silence the voices of the victims and their families who are still seeking justice and closure.
“By signing this petition, we stand in solidarity with those who have suffered due to Paterson’s actions. We urge you to take our concerns seriously and ensure that justice is upheld.”
On signing the petition former patient Morgan Morgan said: “As an ex patient that was exposed to his malpractice, he has never shown any remorse or even apologised for the physical or emotional hurt caused. ‘DO NO HARM’ He failed us.”
For more or to sign the petition click here.
