Report of the Paterson Inquiry

Rt Revd Graham James · work from 2017 · published 2020

What this was

Inquiry into how surgeon Ian Paterson was able to perform inappropriate and unnecessary breast surgery in the NHS and the private sector for years. It found that colleagues, managers and insurers did not stop him, and that patients were not recalled properly.

Why it sits in the hub

It is the case for multidisciplinary teams, a single view of a clinician who works in both NHS and private practice, and indemnity that actually protects patients. Those gaps are still cited when managers and doctors move.

Findings

Finding 1
A surgeon harmed patients in more than one organisation. Information about his practice was not joined up.
Culture and conduct Data and early warning Regulation and oversight
Finding 2
Patients were not given an honest account of their surgery, and recall was slow and incomplete.
Candour Listening to patients and families

Recommendations in this hub

Paraphrase of the public recommendations, not the official text.

1Partly doneNHS and independent providers
Make multidisciplinary team discussion a real check on individual practice, including in the private sector.
Culture and conduct Regulation and oversight
2Partly doneProviders
Give patients one story of their care, written so they can understand what was done.
Candour Digital and information
3Partly doneGovernment
Close the indemnity gap so private patients are not left without a route to compensation.
Complaints and redress Regulation and oversight