Spire Healthcare remains very sorry for the significant distress and harm suffered by patients who were treated by Ian Paterson in our hospitals. Although we cannot put right the wrongs of the past, we are determined to do everything we can to support his victims.

This includes a commitment to compensating Ian Paterson’s patients as fairly and as quickly as possible. This commitment continues to this day.

In 2017, Spire took the lead role in establishing a compensation fund and persuading other organisations to contribute to it. Spire’s contribution of £27.2m meant that a substantial fund of £37m could be made available for all Paterson’s victims and not just for those who had commenced formal legal proceedings.

Since the publication of the Independent Inquiry in 2020, we have set aside an additional £24.1m¹ to cover the cost of implementing the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry and supporting Paterson’s patients which includes funds to compensate them.

We consider this provision to remain adequate, however, we continually assess the appropriateness of the Paterson provision, actively managing and reviewing the level of it. If any adjustments are required, we would communicate this accordingly.

The Paterson Compensation Fund is managed and administered by Thompsons Solicitors and Slater & Gordon Lawyers UK, independent of Spire Healthcare. It remains fully funded, as it has been since its inception in July 2021. These legal firms manage the day-to-day running of the Compensation Fund and are responsible for the timely payment of compensation to patients.

Meanwhile the Coroner has opened 38 inquests to date. Of these, six are related to patients treated by Paterson at Spire hospitals, with the balance being patients Paterson treated in NHS hospitals. Spire is co-operating fully with the Coroner and is providing him with all appropriate information.

Spire has changed radically since 2011. We have worked tirelessly to overhaul our culture, consultant management and standards to ensure that safety and quality sit at the heart of everything we do. Spire is robustly regulated by the Care Quality Commission, and its equivalents in Wales and Scotland. We are proud that 98% of our inspected hospitals and clinics are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’, ahead of the sector average. This reflects the professionalism and dedication of our 15,000 staff and the over 8,500 consultants who practise with us.

The two Spire hospitals where Paterson practised are now rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission.

Any patient who is concerned about treatment they received with Ian Paterson can call Spire Healthcare’s freephone helpline on 0800 085 8130 or visit our website for more information:

Information for Spire Little Aston patients
Information for Spire Parkway patients

Reference:

1 - Spire Healthcare Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2023, see Audit and Risk Committee report (page 108).

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Information for patients of Mr Ian Paterson

Spire Healthcare remains committed to compensating Ian Paterson’s patients as fairly and quickly as possible