Health Minister gives statement on the Paterson inquiry
4 February 2020 (updated on 4 February 2020)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Nadine Dorries MP, made a statement on the Paterson inquiry
An independent inquiry into "disgraced surgeon" Ian Paterson's malpractice, as well as other past and current practices in the NHS and the independent sector, has recommended the recall of his 11,000 patients for their surgery to be assessed.
The inquiry aims to learn lessons from these and to make recommendations to improve the safety and quality of care provided to all patients.
"Malpractice that affected so many patients in the most appalling way"
Addressing MPs on the findings of the report, the Health Minister Nadine Dorries MP said:
"The report contains a shocking and sobering analysis of the circumstances surrounding Ian Paterson's malpractice."
The Minister added:
"It sets out the failure in the NHS, the independent sector and the regulatory and indemnity systems. As a result of these failure patients suffered unnecessary harm. Their testimony in the report makes harrowing, appalling reading."
"Systemic organisational failures were at fault"
Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Jonathan Ashworth MP responded to the statement:
"While we cannot undo the awful harm that Paterson's criminal action has caused so many, lessons must be learnt and changes made, so that something so heinous doesn't happen again. This report must not remain on a shelf to be forgotten."
Speaking on the findings of the report and the issue of safety in private healthcare providers the Shadow Secretary added:
"The report is clear, this wasn't just the action of one rogue lone surgeon, but systemic organisational failures were at fault as well. And fundamentally it's time we addressed the question of safety in private healthcare providers and the way in which clinicians are able to operate in private providers with little oversight."
- Watch Parliament TV: Statement on the Paterson inquiry
- Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available in Hansard online three hours after they happen.
Image: PA images
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