Department of Health announces inquiry following Ian Paterson

The Department of Health has announced an independent inquiry following the conviction of breast surgeon Ian Paterson. The Inquiry will examine the circumstances and practices surrounding the malpractice of Ian Paterson, and consider lessons that can be learned from the case. It will be chaired by the Right Reverend Graham James, Bishop of Norwich.

The Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) has released the following statement welcoming the Inquiry.

“The Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) welcomes the announcement of the Bishop of Norwich’s Inquiry. We will support the inquiry in any way we can and will continue to work towards practical improvements on behalf of patients. PHIN’s mission is to bring about greater transparency and implement better reporting mechanisms to bring private healthcare into line with NHS standards.

Information sharing, activity reporting and raising concerns in the independent sector have been cited as areas of concern in relation to the Ian Paterson case, and we welcome their inclusion as key aspects of the Inquiry. Almost all patients in England who receive some privately funded treatment are also NHS patients for many other elements of their healthcare, and many thousands of consultants practice in both the NHS and private sectors. It is essential that standards are aligned and information effectively shared for the protection of future patients.”

Matt James
Chief executive
The Private Healthcare Information Network