Victims’ joy after butcher surgeon struck off at last
A DISGRACED surgeon with a ‘God complex’ has been struck off after carrying out thousands of unnecessary procedures on breast cancer patients to line his own pockets.
Ian Paterson, 59, was jailed for 15 years in May for wrecking hundreds of lives through his bungled or needless surgeries.
A medical practitioners tribunal has now ruled the Glasgow-born surgeon – who exaggerated or invented patients’ risk of cancer – ‘deceived patients and fellow professionals alike’.
Panel chairman Valerie Paterson said: ‘Paterson’s actions were serious, intentionally harmful and took place over a protracted period of time.
‘[He] exploited the trust that was put in him as a doctor for his own gain. As a result, the patients involved have suffered, and continue to suffer, physical and psychological consequences.’
The tribunal heard Paterson – who lived a luxury lifestyle – had accepted he would be struck off. It is unlikely he will exercise his 28-day right to appeal.
Gillian Dallow, 54, who almost died when he botched an exploratory operation 20 years ago, said: ‘It’s sad that it’s taken so long and so many women to be hurt for this to happen. Paterson should have been struck off when he nearly killed me 20 years ago. I’m glad he is where he is. When I’m down I think of him in prison and it cheers me up no end. I’m delighted he’s been struck off.’
General Medical Council chief executive Charlie Massey said: ‘I am pleased Ian Paterson has been removed from the medical register and can no longer do harm to patients. His terrible actions went unchecked for too long because managers and colleagues had their concerns but did not speak up; indeed, it took brave patients to bring these issues to our attention.
‘I have listened to victims’ stories unfold and have been appalled at the impact his actions have had on so many lives.’ Mr Massey said the GMC would ensure concerns are better shared between clinical staff and managers, and between the private sector and NHS.
After a trial at Nottingham Crown Court in May, Paterson was convicted of 17 counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and three counts of unlawful wounding.
In its evidence, the GMC said Paterson’s offences were ‘crimes of violence which reflected a pattern of lies, deceit and exploitation of patients’.
The Manchester tribunal heard he demonstrated ‘no insight or remorse for his actions’ and ‘adopted a position of arrogance’ during his trial.
Nigel Grundy, representing the GMC at the two-day tribunal, said: ‘His actions [were] aggravated not only by serious consequences of the victims but his failure to acknowledge the suffering, lack of empathy and failure to apologise to any of them.’
Lawyers confirmed that 100 new victims came forward within days of Paterson’s conviction. The NHS has paid almost £10million in compensation so far, while more than 500 former patients are seeking damages from Spire, the private healthcare provider Paterson worked for.
Victim Diane Green, 59, who had two unnecessary double mastectomies, said he had a ‘God complex’. She and other victims are calling for the Government to hold a public inquiry.
The Attorney General’s office has submitted an appeal against his ‘unduly lenient’ sentence, which will be heard next week.
‘No remorse for his actions’