MORE THAN 100 patients of the disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson are at the heart of an independent inquiry, officials say.
The 59-year-old was convicted of multiple charges of wounding with intent and sentenced to jail for 20 years.
He was a consultant breast surgeon employed by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, and practised privately at Spire Parkway and Spire Little Aston hospitals.
Now, the terms of reference of the independent inquiry following his conviction have been published.
In December, it was announced there would be an inquiry into malpractice by Paterson and its conclusions and recommendations are due to be published in the summer of 2019.
Since then the inquiry team has met more than 150 patients and their families and their contributions helped shape its terms of reference.
A central objective of the Inquiry is to afford former patients of Ian Paterson and their families an opportunity to tell of their experiences and to be heard.
On the Inquiry’s website it said it will be informed by patients concerns and it will examine and seek to learn from what happened to them, both in the independent sector and in the NHS.
Inquiry Chairman, the Right Reverend Graham James said: “The interests of all patients, whether they are treated in the NHS or the private sector, should be at the heart of this Inquiry.
“I thank everyone who has shared the issues they would like the Inquiry to consider in finalising the complete terms of reference.”
The Inquiry said it will also consider issues raised in previous relevant reports about Ian Paterson, but does not intend to revisit the evidence that led to his conviction.
Although the inquiry will be restricted to matters concerning the treatment of patients in the independent sector and the NHS in England it said it will review the circumstances and practices surrounding Ian Paterson as a case study, and consider other past and current practices, so as to draw conclusions in relation to the safety and quality of care provided nationally to all patients.
For more see www.patersoninquiry.org.uk
