Legal Expert Acting For Patients Of Mr Ian Paterson

Medical law experts representing patients who believe they have had unnecessary or inappropriate operations at the hands of surgeon Mr Ian Paterson have welcomed an investigation into his conduct, but raised concerns that it has taken so long for such action to be taken.

The General Medical Council has now suspended Mr Paterson, who has worked at both NHS and private hospitals in the West Midlands, over claims that he may have performed unnecessary operations on more than 1,000 women in Britain.

Irwin Mitchell is representing women who were operated on by Mr Paterson from as far back as 1996 to as recently as 2010, and has also raised concerns and provided statements to regulatory bodies including the General Medical Council in relation to his activity.

Victoria Blankstone, a medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office, said: “We have been calling for an investigation into the treatment provided by Mr Paterson since we first became aware of these cases following reports in the press back in 2010. So while it is welcome that an investigation has been launched, questions need to be asked as to why this is only happening now.

“The women we represent underwent ‘cleavage sparing’ procedures which went against national guidelines. These patients diagnosed with breast cancer placed their trust in who they believed was an expert and underwent major surgery – for them to subsequently learn that their treatment was incorrect and that they would need further surgery to remove the excess breast tissue has left them shocked and emotionally drained.

“In addition, we have seen delays in recalling patients since investigations into Mr Paterson’s conduct were carried out at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust in 2007.

“The treatment of these women who have previously had to come to terms with their cancer diagnosis and undergo extensive and debilitating treatment has simply been unacceptable and today finally marks the opportunity for decisive action.

“We remain determined to help our clients through both civil action and the regulatory matters being undertaken by bodies such as the General Medical Council. It is time that their voices are heard and they are given the answers they so clearly deserve.”

If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of surgical negligence, we may be able to help you claim compensation. See our Medical Negligence Guide for more information.