Ian Paterson: Survivors say 'not enough action taken' one year on
A year ago the Independent Inquiry published its recommendations
Last updated 4th Feb 2021
On February 4th 2020, the independent inquiry into the disgraced West Midlands breast surgeon published 15 recommendations.
But one year on, what action's been taken?
First, let's look back to the report published by the inquiry**:**
The independent inquiry into how rogue breast surgeon Ian Paterson was able to go on performing unnecessary operations for years uncovered a healthcare system "dysfunctional at almost every level''.
The Paterson Inquiry, launched in May 2018, published 15 recommendations on February 4th 2020, after hearing 181 first-hand accounts from the surgeon's former patients.
Among the recommendations, it urged both the NHS trust which employed Paterson and private health firm Spire Healthcare to check all Paterson's patients had been recalled.
The report also said, the Government should introduce reforms, including regulation of insurance protection for patients as a "nationwide safety net''.
Inquiry chairman the Rt Rev Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, said "patients were let down over many years'' by both the NHS and independent providers.
As part of the Inquiry's terms of reference, it was allowed to refer individuals considered to have committed a "disciplinary or criminal offence'' to the relevant authorities.
Following the investigation, five health professionals were referred to either the General Medical Council (GMC) or Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Another case was referred to West Midlands Police.
The consultant breast surgeon was employed by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (HEFT) but had practising privileges in the independent sector at both Spire Parkway and Spire Little Aston in Birmingham.
In 2017 he was jailed after being found guilty of 17 counts of wounding patients with intent, against 10 of his victims.
Initially handed a 15-year prison term, Court of Appeal judges later increased his tariff to 20 years.
In September 2017, more than 750 patients treated by Paterson received compensation payouts from a #37 million fund.
So what's happened since?
Survivors workers closley with the Inquiry team over their two year investigation period and were "largely satisfied" with the 15 recommendation made.
In a statement, one year on, survivors say the "recommendations would have helped to promote patient safety across the healthcare spectrum, particularly in the private healthcare sector where safety is often only an afterthought.
It continues, "sadly, one year on, we have had very little success in getting any of the Recommendations implemented at all; promises and assurances have been made, but we have yet to see real results.
"In this time of pandemic with so many people suffering and in desperate need of medical support, not just for the virus, but for cancer and other serious long term conditions, as well as mental health, patient safety has to be placed at paramount importance across the healthcare spectrum and firmly at the heart of any policy decisions and legislation made.
"One year on, we ask again that all of the Bishop's Recommendations are implemented fully and in a timely manner. "
Minister for Patient Safety Nadine Dorries said:
“February 4th marks one year since the publication of the Paterson Inquiry. My thoughts are with the patients and families who were the victims of Paterson’s horrific malpractice, and I remain absolutely committed to ensuring lessons are learned.
“We will be responding to the Inquiry as soon as we can and we are working closely with the NHS and independent sector to agree action and implement changes.”
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, formerly Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust who employed Paterson sent these details:
The following outlines what the Trust has done since the Inquiry:
"All former UHB patients of Paterson were contacted between 4 May 2020 and 11 September 2020. 4383 were contacted in 2020. Note this is post-inquiry, previous contacts have been made.
"We have had 350+ enquiries as a result of the letters and have closed 326 of them.
"The remaining 24 patients should receive their responses by the end of March 2021.
A spokesperson from Spire Healthcare said:
“We are determined to do everything we can to support those patients who suffered at the hands of Ian Paterson. In line with the Inquiry’s recommendations.
"Last Autumn we contacted all known living patients of Paterson to offer them assistance or discuss their concerns. A number of patients have taken up our offer of support, and are receiving advice from our team of expert clinicians.
“Our dedicated freephone patient helpline (0800 085 8130) and email (spirehealthcarehelplineianpaterson@spirehealthcare.com ) is open to any former patient of Ian Paterson who would like support.”
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