Rogue Surgeon's Release Looms: Victims Fear Unanswered Deaths

Rogue surgeon Ian Paterson, whose actions have drawn comparisons to serial killer Dr. Harold Shipman, is scheduled for parole in spring 2027. He performed thousands of unnecessary and dangerous procedures, including mastectomies on 1,206 women, of whom 675 have since died. This mortality rate is significantly higher than the typical 8.5% for breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomies. Hundreds of his private patients have also died, with experts officially investigating at least 650 deaths linked to his care.

Victims, such as Deborah Douglas, who underwent a mastectomy and lymph node removal when only a lumpectomy was needed, fear Paterson's early release. They are concerned that his freedom in 2027, after serving half his 20-year sentence, will impede ongoing investigations into patient deaths. Douglas is campaigning to prevent his release before these inquests conclude, emphasizing the profound psychological distress and lack of justice for those affected. Thousands of women in the West Midlands trusted Paterson, working at both NHS and private hospitals, only to suffer lasting harm and betrayal.