Ian Paterson, a consultant breast surgeon, who was employed by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust and practised in the independent sector at Spire Parkway and Spire Little Aston, was convicted of 17 counts of wounding with intent and 3 counts of unlawful wounding. He was sentenced in 2017 to a 20 year custodial sentence.
In January 2020, H M Senior Coroner for Birmingham and Solihull, Louise Hunt, and Area Coroner Emma Brown commenced preliminary investigations to identify whether there is any evidence that gives reason to suspect that any of the former patients of Mr Paterson died an unnatural death as a result of Ian Paterson’s actions.
Following preliminary investigations, the Senior and Area Coroner believe there is evidence to have reason to suspect that some of those deaths may be unnatural.
To date 27 Inquests in relation to the former patients of Mr Paterson have been opened and adjourned.
The Inquests have been adjourned until a conclusion has been reached on all the preliminary investigations. In accordance with Section 85A of the Courts Act 2003 and the Remote Observation and Recordings (Courts and Tribunals) Regulations 2022 members of the press and the public may apply to attend a hearing remotely. Any member of the public or press wishing to attend the hearings remotely needs to contact us on coroner@birmingham.gov.uk no later than midday on the day before the hearing, giving reasons why they should be granted remote access.
It would be helpful if any member of the public or press intending to attend court in person informs us on coroner@birmingham.gov.uk no later than midday on the day before the hearing as there is limited space available in court and it may not be possible to accommodate all attendees.