Patient tells court of cancer surgeon’s comment

A SCOTS-born surgeon who allegedly carried out unnecessary operations to earn more cash told a patient her husband should “moisturise her breasts vigorously” to relieve pain, a court heard.

Consultant breast cancer surgeon Ian Paterson is accused of making the “inappropriate remark” to Leanne Joseph, 25, after he removed her milk ducts.

Mrs Joseph told a jury Mr Paterson, 59, advised to her to have the surgery on her left breast after she was treated by him in October 2006.

Giving evidence via videolink at Nottingham Crown Court, Mrs Joseph, now 36, said: “Mr Paterson told me to come and have the right side removed as well. He said he thought it was a similar problem to the left side. I didn’t see my GP in this time and the only reason I went to see him was because I was upset about how my scars looked.”

Under cross examination, Nicholas Johnson QC, defending Paterson, said: “Did Mr Paterson advise you to moisturise your breasts vigorously to relieve the pain?” Mrs Joseph said: “I remember that day very clearly because Mr Paterson made a very inappropriate remark by saying it was something that my husband could join in with.”

The court heard Mr Paterson, originally from Glasgow, carried out the operation after she noticed a discharge from her left breast in October 2006. Mr Paterson told her scans revealed she had pre-cancerous cells and should have her milk ducts removed. However, further scans showed there were no abnormalities.

All charges relate to Mr Paterson’s private practice at Spire Healthcare hospitals in the West Midlands. Mr Paterson, of Altrincham, Greater Manchester, denies 20 counts of unlawfully and maliciously wounding 10 patients between 1997 and 2011.

The trial continues.