Recall of 5,500 of Ian Paterson’s former patients

The disgraced breast surgeon, Ian Paterson, was convicted on in April 2017 of multiple counts of wounding with intent after carrying our repeated unnecessary surgeries on patients between 1997 and 2011.

Whilst Mr Paterson is currently serving a 20 year sentence at Her Majesty’s Pleasure, his victims and their families have persisted in pursuit of an explanation as to how Mr Paterson was able to carry on for so long.  An independent  inquiry investigated his actions and found that whilst he subject more than a 1000 patients to unnecessary procedures, the institutions that he worked for should have done more to keep his patient’s safe. In particular, they were critical of the lack of a recall of some 11,000 former patients by either the NHS or his private hospital employers.

In response to those criticisms, the Spire Hospital has now written to 5,500 former patients inviting them back for a review of his who will be offered a virtual meeting initially when they can also arrange any follow up treatment.

A dedicated freephone line has also been set up primarily for those patients who are receiving a letter and they can call 0800 085 8130 to speak to specialist staff at any of the times below:

• 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Thursday,
• 8.30am to 6pm on Friday
• 9am to 4pm on Saturday.

The helpline is open to other patients of Mr Paterson who have not received a letter and patients can also email spirehealthcarehelplineianpaterson@spirehealthcare.com.

Christian Beadell, Head of Medical Negligence in the Southport office, said “It is a welcome move that Spire has now taken steps to contact all of Mr Paterson’s, former private patients.  It is a shame that this wasn’t done earlier, particularly given that it has been over 3 years since his conviction and longer when he was providing treatment. This will undoubtedly cause concern for patients who are only now being recalled and it is vital that they receive consistent high quality support.

“It is significant that these patients have never previously been recalled. Some may be completely unaware of Mr Paterson’s fate and  this process needs to be handled extremely carefully. We have already been contacted by patients who are only now considering whether they may have a legal claim in relation to their treatment and we are advising on those matters.”