College responds to publication of Ian Paterson Inquiry report

04 Feb 2020

Responding to the report published today (Tuesday 4th February 2020) from the independent inquiry set up following the conviction of surgeon Ian Paterson, who was convicted in May 2017 after being found guilty of seventeen counts of wounding with intent, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow has called for action to implement the lessons learned from this tragic case.

A College spokesperson said:

“Ian Paterson’s patients deserved the best possible care, but this important report has shown that patients have not only been let down by the reckless actions of a rogue surgeon, but also by a culture of ” avoidance and denial” within the hospitals concerned. We must take action now throughout the health care system to ensure that all staff and patients feel able to speak out when things aren’t right, and that our system of regulation is fit for purpose. 

“The safety of our patients is absolutely dependent on our ability to learn from our previous failings and put this learning into practice, but the health service has a poor record of this to date. Prevention through learning is essential to ensure patient safety. 

“Only by implementing the lessons learned from this tragic case can we ensure that the interests of both patients and doctors are fully protected in the future.”