- By Shehnaz Khan & PA . Media
- BBC news
Ian Paterson is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for willful bodily harm
Investigations will be opened into the deaths of nine more patients of jailed breast surgeon Ian Paterson, a hearing has heard.
Judge Richard Foster said the teams looked at 417 former patient cases in which breast cancer was listed as the cause of death in part one of the death certificate.
Of those, a total of 36 deaths are the subject of an investigation with another 21 also likely to be considered.
Paterson is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for willful bodily harm.
Paterson worked at Spire Parkway Hospital and Spire Little Aston Hospital in the West Midlands between 1997 and 2011, as well as NHS hospitals run by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust.
Of the 36 patients currently under investigation, 29 are NHS patients and 7 are Spire patients.
Speaking at a pre-inquiry hearing held at Birmingham and Solihull Coroner Courts on Friday, Judge Foster said an additional 130 cases of breast cancer were included as causes of death in part two of the certificate. Deaths have also been reported and can be considered in part two of the death certificate. future.
‘System error’
The investigation, which is expected to officially begin in the fall of 2024, aims to assess whether Paterson’s actions or broader systemic failures contributed to the deaths of his patients. .
Judge Foster said “systemic errors” would also be part of his investigation into Paterson’s actions.
“It is my duty to ensure that the events involved are investigated fully, fairly and without fear. It is likely that I will review a report to prevent further deaths,” he said. .
Addressing the families of previously deceased patients, he added: “Although much of today’s proceedings will focus on broader systemic issues, I want to make sure I assure you that throughout the investigation, you will always be at the center of my investigations and I will not overlook anything.” the stone was overturned in that attempt.”
Judge Foster recommended that another pre-inquiry review hearing be scheduled later this year.
