The surgeon was suspended earlier this year following an external review which identified that the outcomes for several child patients did not meet expected clinical standards. 

 

Disturbingly, the hospital has acknowledged that concerns about the surgeon were raised nearly a decade ago, prompting questions about why decisive action was not taken sooner.

 

A broad independent clinical investigation, chaired by barrister Andrew Kennedy KC, will now assess the care received by nearly 700 patients, many of whom were children. 

 

Additionally, at least 100 emergency operations carried out by the surgeon at the hospital’s trauma centre will be reviewed.

 

Linda Millband, Head of Group Claims at Thompsons Solicitors, who has represented more than 500 victims of rogue surgeon Ian Paterson—jailed in 2017 for 20 years for carrying out unnecessary and harmful operations—said:

 

“These revelations are deeply distressing, particularly because the patients involved are among the most vulnerable. From experience, we know all too well the devastating impact such situations have on patients and their families.

 

“The sheer scale of this review raises profound questions about clinical oversight, accountability, and governance. It’s essential that the investigation quickly determines why earlier concerns were not adequately acted upon and that patients and their families receive full support throughout this distressing process.

 

“I have spent my entire career highlighting these issues, but it is deeply frustrating to have to repeat that urgent lessons must be learned to prevent further harm and restore public trust. Once again, it seems serious failings centre around an individual practitioner. This is far from the first instance, and I fear it will not be the last unless we see a radical overhaul in patient safety standards.”

 

Thompsons Solicitors has played a pivotal role in representing the victims of Ian Paterson. As the lead litigator in compensation claims against him, the firm has represented over 500 of Paterson’s patients, more than any other law firm, working on the case for over five years.  

 

Ian Paterson, a former breast surgeon, was convicted in 2017 of 17 counts of wounding with intent and three counts of unlawful wounding for performing unnecessary and harmful surgeries on patients between 1997 and 2011. Initially sentenced to 15 years, his term was increased to 20 years by the Court of Appeal later that year. 

 

In 2017, Thompsons successfully negotiated a multi-million-pound settlement for hundreds of his private patients. 

 

Furthermore, in 2021, the firm was appointed to manage a new fund established by Spire Healthcare to compensate additional victims, highlighting its ongoing commitment to securing justice for those affected by Paterson’s malpractice.