AN independent inquiry is inviting former patients of convicted breast surgeon Ian Paterson and their relatives to get in touch.
They include the families of patients who have died since the ‘butchering’ and maiming of the disgraced consultant’s victims.
The government announced in December the non-statutory independent inquiry into Paterson’s malpractice and what can be learned from the circumstances surrounding it.
The Right Reverend Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, has been appointed to chair the inquiry.
In April last year, Paterson was found guilty of 17 counts 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.
The Rt Revd Graham James said on Wednesday (February 7): ‘I am committed that the interests of all patients are at the heart of this Inquiry.
“We want to hear about the issues former patients of Ian Paterson and their families would like the Inquiry to consider, before its detailed terms of reference are finalised.
“At this stage we will not be able to take detailed evidence about what happened and what needs to change. There will be opportunities later for that to happen.
“Today, we are asking former patients of Ian Paterson and relatives of patients who have died to get in touch with us, to draw our attention to issues they believe should be included in the complete terms of reference.”
The government had announced the Inquiry would be informed by patients of Ian Paterson and their families, and would be likely to consider:
* the responsibility for the quality of care in the independent sector; appraisal and ensuring validation of staff in the independent sector and the safety of multidisciplinary working;
* information sharing, reporting of activity and raising concerns between the independent sector and the NHS; and
* the role of insurers of independent sector healthcare providers (including sharing of data), and arrangements for indemnity cover for clinicians in the independent sector.
The Inquiry will consider issues raised in previous reports about Paterson but is not intended to revisit existing evidence, including the evidence that led to his conviction.
People can get in touch with the Inquiry though its website, www.patersoninquiry.org.uk by calling 0207 972 1295 or by emailing [email protected].
