Ian Paterson: Eleven further inquests set to open

A further 11 inquests are to be opened this week as part of an investigation into dozens of deaths linked to jailed breast surgeon Ian Paterson.

Paterson is currently serving a 20-year sentence after he carried out unnecessary or unapproved procedures on more than 1,000 breast cancer patients.

Judge Richard Foster said 417 cases of former patients had been reviewed.

The inquests will open and be adjourned on Friday. More than 30 deaths are already the subject of an inquest.

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.

Paterson was jailed in 2017 after being convicted of 17 counts of wounding with intent.

An independent inquiry found he had been free to perform harmful surgery in NHS and private hospitals due to "a culture of avoidance and denial" in a healthcare system where there was "wilful blindness" to his behaviour.

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Source: BBC News, 10 July 2023