CQC has issued this statement in response to the Paterson Inquiry report:
Ian Trenholm, Chief Executive at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said:
“Today’s report lays bare the truly devastating impact of Paterson’s crimes. The experiences described by his patients and their families are deeply and profoundly shocking, and everything possible must continue to be done to prevent such a wilful abuse of patient trust from ever happening again.
“In the time since Ian Paterson was practising we have developed our regulatory model to require providers to strengthen medical governance and oversight of clinical care in both the NHS and private hospitals.
“The findings from our comprehensive inspection programme of all independent acute hospitals prompted the recently introduced Medical Practitioners Assurance Framework (MPAF). It is one clear way that independent hospitals can demonstrate the robust governance processes we expect to see when we inspect, and will help improve information exchange between private and NHS services. Our wider engagement with the sector has also set clear expectations for quality and safety.
“But, as this report shows there is more that can be done to minimise future harm to patients. We must continue to promote a culture, both in the NHS and the private sector, where people feel able to raise concerns without fear of retribution and where the voices of staff, patients and their families are listened to and acted on without exception.
“We welcome the recommendations set out by the Bishop of Norwich and his team and will work with the Department of Health and Social Care and wider system partners to play our part in taking them forward.”
Ends
Members of the public with concerns arising from the details of the report can contact the DHSC Public enquiry number: 020 7210 4850 or contact the Department of Health and Social Care online.