Jailed breast surgeon Ian Paterson has declined to provide evidence in the inquests related to the deaths of 62 of his patients. Paterson, who is 66 years old and serving a 20-year custodial sentence following his conviction on multiple counts of wounding in 2017, cited “inadequate facilities” as the reason for his refusal to attend. The former surgeon from Glasgow was asked to appear at Birmingham Coroner’s Court via prison video-link to address preliminary matters regarding his clinical practice before the full inquest hearings commencing the following week.
Coroner Richard Foster informed the court that Paterson had no intentions of participating in the hearing and had lodged a request to withdraw a witness summons directed at him earlier in the proceedings. In a letter sent on his behalf just hours before the scheduled appearance, Paterson’s legal representative stated concerns about his health, lack of legal counsel, and insufficient resources to prepare adequately for the inquests, supporting the withdrawal of the witness summons.
The application emphasised Paterson’s desire to engage in the inquests but highlighted the current challenges that would hinder his ability to comply with the summons. The coroner is expected to rule on the request to revoke the summons later. Earlier this week, Judge Foster clarified that he could not grant legal funding to Paterson and rejected a plea to delay the inquests during preliminary legal discussions. The judge reassured that efforts had been made to provide Paterson with necessary facilities for preparation, including providing hard copies of relevant materials.
Paterson previously worked at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust and conducted private practice at Spire Parkway and Spire Little Aston. Employed as a consultant at Solihull Hospital from 1998 to 2011, Paterson’s cases have led to the initiation of 62 inquests out of over 560 patient deaths reviewed by a team of medical experts. The outcome of the ruling on Paterson’s application remains pending.
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