Paterson Independent Inquiry: frequently asked questions
Why was the Inquiry set up?
Following the conviction and imprisonment of consultant surgeon Ian Paterson in 2017, the Government set up an independent inquiry to learn lessons from his malpractice and make recommendations to improve patient safety and quality of care in the NHS and the independent sector.
Where did Ian Paterson practise?
Ian Paterson was employed by the then Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (now University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust). He also held practising privileges at private hospitals, including Spire Parkway and Spire Little Aston. These were suspended in 2011.
Where is Ian Paterson now?
Ian Paterson was found guilty of 17 counts of wounding with intent in 2017 and subsequently sentenced to serve 20 years in prison.
Were impacted patients paid any compensation?
As soon as the criminal case against Ian Paterson was concluded, Spire led the way in setting up a special compensation fund which was operational within three months. We paid over £27 million to patients who were victims of Paterson. This was the first time anything like this had been done within the private sector.
Is it safe for me to have my treatment at Spire Parkway or Spire Little Aston?
Yes, it is safe. Ian Paterson was a criminal who exploited his position to carry out illegal activity and is now serving a 20-year prison sentence.
Spire has invested heavily in improving the quality and safety of patient care since Paterson practised in our hospitals, and our efforts have been recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and its Scottish and Welsh equivalents, which rank more than 98% of our hospitals as either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’. We continue to invest to ensure that figure reaches 100%.
Both Spire Parkway and Little Aston were recently rated as ‘Good’ by the CQC.
Who can I speak to if I was treated by Ian Paterson at Spire and have further questions or concerns?
If you were treated by Ian Paterson and have a question regarding your care, please call our dedicated patient helpline on 0800 085 8130, and speak to a member of our specialist team.
The helpline is in operation between 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 6pm on Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturday.
If you would like confidential support and advice from an independent organisation, you can also speak to The Patients Association on 0800 345 7115 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.