Understanding failings in patient safety: lessons from the case of surgeon Ian Paterson

Frank Milligan

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 Good Health and Well

Abstract

While rare, incidents of inappropriate and/or unnecessary surgery do occur, so effective surveillance of surgical practice is required to ensure patient safety. This article explores the case of Ian Paterson, a consultant surgeon who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2017 for wounding with intent and unlawful wounding, primarily by undertaking inappropriate or unnecessary mastectomies. The article details the main points of the Paterson case, with reference to the subsequent government-commissioned inquiry and its recommendations. It also outlines various strategies for enhancing patient safety, including applying human factors theory, improving auditing, and rationalising NHS and private healthcare. The author concludes that nurses have a crucial role in the surveillance of surgical practice and that combined reporting of surgeons' practice across NHS and private healthcare organisations is required.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 21-26 (6 pages)

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Nursing Standard (Volume 36, Issue 8)

Publication milestones

Accepted/In press - 10/12/2020
Published - 01/06/2021

Publication status

Published - 01/06/2021

ISSN

0029-6570

External Publication IDs

handle.net: 10547/625010
Scopus: 85129779991

Access to documents

10.7748/ns.2021.e11622

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