Paterson Inquiry

The MP agreed with the Minister's statement but raised concerns about the systemic organisational failures in private healthcare providers. He highlighted the 'practising privileges model' that creates financial incentives for over-treatment, and called for full transparency and accountability. He also emphasised the need for legislation to change the regulation of private hospitals if necessary.

Scores of women and their families in Solihull have been dramatically affected by Paterson. They want to know that this can never happen again, with proper measures taken and recommendations followed. Does the Minister have confidence in the new whistleblowing procedure at Spire Healthcare? Is she disquieted to hear that the same hospital is currently reviewing 217 cases regarding another doctor, Habib Rahman, who is under suspension?

Habib Rahman has been suspended. He is not practising at Spire group but still in a non-patient facing role at the trust, which we are querying. This incident highlights a failure of enforcement rather than a lack of processes. The CQC was not inspecting the private sector then and now does so robustly. We have revalidation systems now and Paterson is in jail since 2012. The inquiry aims to learn lessons from this scandal.

This case is heartbreaking; women were treated poorly after the event and had to fight for help and compensation, adding insult to injury. It was a failure of enforcement rather than process absence. This scandal went on for 14 years due to lack of audits. National audits need to be rolled out to ensure units cannot opt-out. We also need more frequent appraisals and extended to private hospitals. The Health Service Safety Investigations Body should investigate across the board, not just NHS hospitals.

To keep patients safe, medical professionals who have concerns must be properly listened to. It is concerning that whistleblowers faced fitness-to-practise reviews after reporting their concerns. Concerns were not acted upon timely by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust or GMC.

All are shocked about patients being let down again. The Minister did not refer to the Health Service Safety Investigations Bill in her opening comments. The Bill needs to be extended to include the private or independent sector.

My constituency neighbours suffered at hands of Ian Paterson. Survivors are brave for coming forward. There have been serious failings on the part of Spire hospital. What assurances can we give to survivors that we will take heed of this report, and what more should be done to ensure this does not happen again?

Acknowledged the report's thoroughness and robust recommendations, stating that patient safety is a top concern. Assured that the Department of Health and Social Care will carefully study and implement any necessary measures to enhance patient protection.

Questioned how the Government will collaborate with devolved Administrations to ensure consistent safeguards in all health services, given the Government's promise of a full response to the inquiry within three to four months.

Emphasised the importance of addressing not just Ian Paterson's criminal behaviour but also the broader culture in healthcare that allows such incidents to occur, including reluctance among staff to speak out against inappropriate conduct.

Sought clarity on whether an investigation has been conducted into individuals who may have colluded with Paterson. Raised concerns about the accessibility of independent investigators for whistleblowers within organisations.

Asked under what circumstances the criminal behaviour was finally exposed and whether regulatory officials were held accountable for their failure to detect it earlier.

Pushed for cultural changes that encourage junior clinicians to challenge senior ones before issues arise, advocating a proactive approach to preventing malpractice.

Noted the commonalities between this case and other healthcare scandals like those at Morecambe Bay and Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, highlighting an imbalance of power affecting female patients.

Asked about the adequacy of medical indemnity cover for healthcare professionals in both public and private sectors to support victims financially after such incidents.