Lawyers representing 14 families involved in the coroner’s investigation into the deaths of patients treated by rogue surgeon Ian Paterson have welcomed a ruling that he must give evidence at upcoming inquests.
The decision follows a last-minute attempt by the now disgraced doctor, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for multiple counts of wounding, to have his witness summons revoked.
His application to withdraw his summons was lodged the day before the first inquest was due to begin on October 10, with his legal team putting forward concerns in relation to his health, legal representation and the facilities available.
However, in a ruling published on Monday, October 21st, Coroner Richard Foster said there was "no reason" why Paterson could not provide evidence remotely.
Welcoming the coroner’s decision, Linda Millband, head of group claims at Thompsons Solicitors, who represents 14 of the families involved in proceedings, said: "This ruling is an important step towards justice for the families affected by Paterson's actions, and to ensure that they hear all of the evidence needed for a full inquest investigation."
Ian Paterson was convicted in 2017 after it was revealed that he had carried out unnecessary and unapproved surgeries on over 1,000 breast cancer patients between 1997 and 2011 whilst employed by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, and working in the independent sector at Spire Parkway and Spire Little Aston hospitals in Birmingham.
An independent inquiry concluded that Paterson had exaggerated or invented cancer risks, leading to hundreds of unnecessary operations. A multi-disciplinary team of medical experts has since reviewed over 560 patient deaths, leading to 62 inquests into deaths deemed potentially “unnatural.”
The first inquest is now underway, and families hope that Paterson’s testimony will shed further light on the full extent of his malpractice and its consequences.