Disgraced Scottish surgeon Ian Paterson has been described as a “divisive character” by a former colleague during a judge-led inquest examining over 60 patient deaths. Consultant surgeon Alan Jewkes, who replaced Paterson at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield in 1998, testified that he had never worked directly with Paterson. He mentioned that Paterson was perceived as a strong and difficult personality who did not collaborate well with the team, often acting independently.
Paterson is currently serving a 20-year sentence for wounding and is being investigated for his involvement in the deaths of numerous patients. The inquest heard about a case involving a patient, Christine Baker, who passed away in 2015 after following Paterson’s advice for a mastectomy in 2005. Paterson defended his actions, stating that he fought for the treatment Mrs. Baker wanted, despite speculations that he may not have completely removed her tumor during surgery.
During the inquest, Jewkes also stated that he became aware of rumours about Paterson’s practices before official investigations were launched. There were concerns raised about Paterson leaving tissue behind during surgeries, which was considered oncologically risky and against standard surgical procedures. Despite these issues, Paterson was allowed to continue practising without restrictions at the time, and patients like Mrs. Baker were not informed about the ongoing investigations into his conduct.
The inquest also heard from Stephen Baker, husband of Christine Baker, who expressed regret at not being fully informed about the concerns regarding Paterson’s practices. He mentioned that they believed Paterson was the best surgeon available at the time, unaware of the potential risks involved. Paterson, originally from Glasgow, worked at various hospitals in the West Midlands before his conviction in 2017.
As the inquests continue, the revelations highlight the need for transparency and accountability in healthcare practices to ensure patient safety and well-being. The case of Ian Paterson serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous oversight and adherence to ethical standards in the medical profession.