Published this week and reported by the BBC, the independent inquiry into the criminal practices of the breast surgeon, Ian Paterson, has made a series of recommendations aimed at ensuring that such an outrage cannot happen again.<\/p>\n
Ian Paterson, who carried out unnecessary or inappropriate surgery on numerous women over many years, is currently serving a 20-year jail sentence.<\/p>\n
The inquiry\u2019s recommendations include the following:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tIt should be standard practice that consultants in both the NHS and the independent sector should write to patients outlining their condition in simple language, copied to their GP
\n\u2022\tThere should be a short period introduced into the process of patients giving consent for surgical procedures to allow them time to reflect on their diagnosis and treatment options
\n\u2022\tThe Government should, as a matter of urgency, reform the current regulation of indemnity products for healthcare professionals, in light of the serious shortcomings identified by the inquiry
\n\u2022\tWhen a hospital investigates a healthcare professional\u2019s behaviour, any perceived risk to patient safety should result in the suspension of that professional.
\n\u2022\tWhen things go wrong, the (health) boards should apologise at the earliest stage of the investigation
\n\u2022\tInformation about the means to escalate a complaint to an independent body is communicated more effectively in both the NHS and the independent sector.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, the inquiry recommended the recall of all 11,000 of Paterson\u2019s patients, in both the NHS and the independent sector.<\/p>\n
The inquiry described the healthcare system at the time of Paterson\u2019s actions as \u2018dysfunctional at every level when it came to keeping patients safe\u2019.<\/p>\n
Speak to a solicitor<\/p>\n
If you or a loved one are suffering long-term difficulties due to a significant failing in medical care, contact Glynns today to talk to a specialist medical negligence lawyer about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.<\/p>\n
Please call us on 0800 234 3300<\/a> (or from a mobile 01275 334030<\/a>) or complete our Online Enquiry Form<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n
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