Breast surgeon Ian Paterson has been jailed for 15 years for performing unnecessary operations and intentionally wounding patients. Paterson was found guilty of three counts of unlawful wounding and seventeen counts of wounding. In his trial, 10 of his patients gave evidence, representing a small proportion of the victims Paterson treated.
Jeanette Whyman, solicitor at medical negligence legal specialists Wright Hassall, is representing a number of clients treated by Ian Paterson.
She said: “Although justice has been done, the damage Mr Paterson has caused his patients can never be recompensed.
“They will have to cope with the consequences of his actions for the rest of their lives.
“However, the length of his jail sentence sends out a tough message to the small minority of medical professionals who think they can act as they please, without scrutiny.”
In total Ian Paterson has cost the NHS £17.8m in damages and legal costs. 245 NHS patients have already been awarded compensation, with a further 25 waiting for payouts. It is believed many other affected patients have yet to come forward.
(source: BBC)
