Spire Healthcare statement:
“We would like to say again how truly sorry we are for the distress experienced by Mr Paterson’s patients.
“What Mr Paterson did in our hospitals, in other private hospitals and in the NHS absolutely should not have happened and the sentence handed down today reflects the gravity of the crimes he committed.
“Nothing can undo the harm Ian Paterson has caused but there remains, of course, matters of liability and compensation which are outstanding. “These will be addressed later in the year through a trial of lead cases. “This approach was proposed by Spire and agreed with lawyers representing Mr Paterson’s patients as the fairest and quickest way to determine where responsibility for his actions lies.
“Spire has been responding responsibly and with all due urgency ever since these matters first came to light and we would encourage all other parties to do the same.
“We would be concerned at any failure by the MDU to stand behind their member, Ian Paterson, and we would urge them to ensure that cover is available for patient claims.
“In 2013 Spire Healthcare commissioned a thoroughgoing independent report and has now implemented the recommendations made in that report fully, including improvements in sharing data, whistleblowing, monitoring and collaboration with the NHS.”
