Breast cancer surgeon, Ian Paterson, has been suspended from practising and faces a police investigation, after being accused of operating on at least 450 women when they were perfectly healthy. Paterson, a breast cancer specialist, worked at NHS and private hospitals across the Midlands from 1994 until he was suspended last month.
He also allegedly performed partial mastectomies on another 700 who did have cancer, using a technique which may have increased the likelihood of the disease returning. One lawyer said it was the largest clinical negligence case she had known in 16 years.
An NHS helpline has been set up for worried patients.
Mr Paterson, who has pledged to fully co-operate with the GMC inquiry, undertook the majority of his work at Solihull Hospital after being taken on by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust in 1998.
Dr Aresh Anwar, medical director for Solihull Hospital, said: ’We have invited all of Mr Paterson’s patients who underwent a mastectomy to see an alternative surgeon for a review of their treatment and care. This programme is now complete.
’We are keen to hear from any patient who may have concerns or further questions and have set up a helpline to ensure that these can be addressed quickly.’