Thursday, 28 March, 2024
HomeMedico-LegalMore than 100 new victims UK's rogue breast cancer surgeon seek redress

More than 100 new victims UK's rogue breast cancer surgeon seek redress

More than 100 new victims of rogue UK breast cancer surgeon Ian Paterson have come forward to seek legal help following the medic’s conviction last month. Paterson is expected to be jailed for life later this month when he is sentenced for his crimes against 10 private patients.

The Daily Express reports that the surgeon “played God” by carrying out unnecessary life-changing operations on patients who were terrified they were dying from cancer when in reality they were suffering from less serious ailments.

Paterson lied to his victims, “exaggerating or quite simply inventing the risk of cancer” and claimed payments for more expensive procedures by putting incorrect codes on insurance forms. Prosecutors believe he was partly motivated by earning extra money to fund a luxurious lifestyle but that his “God complex” allowed him to revel in the misery he inflicted.

Paterson, who worked at two Spire Healthcare hospitals in the West Midlands and for the National Health Service (NHS) in Birmingham, shredded medical notes and claimed patients had “wrongly remembered” what he said during his consultations.

Thompsons Solicitors, the lead law firm representing patients treated by Paterson, revealed that over 100 new victims have already made contact seeking their help. That means they are pursuing claims on behalf of 350 people while other law firms are also representing a large number of people.

Linda Millband, who is leading the civil claims, said: “Over the weeks we have received more and more calls from ex-private patients of Paterson. “We are committed to using the full weight of our expertise to fight for each and every one of our clients and, crucially, we are determined that Spire Healthcare don’t squirm out of their responsibility for the harm caused at their hospitals on legal technicalities.

“It is a scandal that Spire were happy enough to take our clients’ money but when it comes to accepting responsibility for what one of the surgeons they promoted and endorsed did on their premises they are running a mile.”

The report says Paterson was convicted of 17 counts of wounding with intent and three counts of unlawful wounding against 10 patients. He will be sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on 31 May.

[link url="http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/807002/breast-cancer-doctor-ian-paterson-trial-new-victims"]Daily Express report[/link]

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