Paterson inquiry will aim to improve independent healthcare

The government has announced further plans for its independent inquiry into disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson, which will look at any broader lessons that can be learnt about private healthcare.

The inquiry will be chaired by the Right Reverend Graham James, Bishop of Norwich.

It will examine the circumstances surrounding Paterson’s malpractice and look at how this can improve care locally and within the independent healthcare sector to ensure private patients have 0 Ian Paterson was found guilty of wounding patients the safeguards they expect. Paterson - a consultant breast surgeon who was employed by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (HEFT) intentionally wounded his patients by exaggerating or inventing cancer risks and claimed payments for more expensive procedures.

Paterson, who had practising privileges in the independent sector at both Spire Parkway and Spire Little Aston in Birmingham, was found guilty of 17 counts of wounding patients with intent in April and jailed for 20 years.

The details released yesterday follow a pledge by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to hold a “comprehensive and focused inquiry” into Paterson’s wrongdoing. The scope of the investigation has been widened in recognition of concern over care in the independent sector.