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Paterson Inquiry
04 February 2020
Lead MP
Nadine Dorries
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Taxation
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Nadine Dorries raised concerns about paterson inquiry in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Minister expressed deep regret over the failure of the entire healthcare system to protect patients from Ian Paterson’s malpractice, acknowledging that the report highlights a catalogue of failings resulting in harm to thousands. She apologised on behalf of the Government and NHS, promised a detailed response in a few months' time based on the recommendations presented, and emphasised the need for action across both sectors.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Leicester South
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.
Julian Knight
Con
Solihull
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?
Nadine Dorries
Con
Central Suffolk and North Ipswich
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.
Central Ayrshire
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.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
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.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
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.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
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?
Nadine Dorries
Con
South East Cambridgeshire
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.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
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.
Thurrock
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.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
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.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Asked under what circumstances the criminal behaviour was finally exposed and whether regulatory officials were held accountable for their failure to detect it earlier.
Bristol West
Pushed for cultural changes that encourage junior clinicians to challenge senior ones before issues arise, advocating a proactive approach to preventing malpractice.
Lucy Allan
Con
Telford
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.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Asked about the adequacy of medical indemnity cover for healthcare professionals in both public and private sectors to support victims financially after such incidents.
Government Response
The Minister reiterated that women were affected in both NHS and the private sector, acknowledging the importance of patient safety. She highlighted improvements made since 2012 by bodies like CQC and GMC to regulate healthcare providers more effectively. Habib Rahman has been suspended. Revalidation systems exist now since 2012, and Paterson is in jail. We are looking at how to improve the robustness of regulatory processes post-2012. The CQC introduced revalidation, and we encourage whistleblowers through national guardians scheme. Lessons from Getting it Right First Time will be applied. HSSIB currently envisaged only for NHS hospitals but we need to consider the private sector. Reaffirmed commitment to studying the report's recommendations seriously. Acknowledged the need for cultural change within NHS and private sector, encouraging whistleblowers to speak out. Discussed measures like national guardians scheme, revalidation process improvements, and ongoing reviews of medical indemnity cover market.
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