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Police investigate cancer surgeon over 'botched' operations Police investigate cancer surgeon over 'botched' operations
(about 2 hours later)
Police are investigating a surgeon who allegedly carried out botched or unnecessary breast cancer operations at hospitals in the West Midlands.Police are investigating a surgeon who allegedly carried out botched or unnecessary breast cancer operations at hospitals in the West Midlands.
It comes as a group of about 90 women are taking legal action against the Heart of England NHS Trust and Spire Healthcare. A group of about 90 women are taking legal action against the Heart of England NHS Trust and Spire Healthcare.
The operations, carried out by surgeon Ian Paterson between 2004 and 2007, were found to breach guidelines.The operations, carried out by surgeon Ian Paterson between 2004 and 2007, were found to breach guidelines.
He has been suspended by the General Medical Council (GMC). West Midlands Police said it was meeting with the Crown Prosecution Service on Thursday.
Mr Paterson has been suspended by the General Medical Council (GMC).
In a statement issued on his behalf, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) said he was co-operating fully with the GMC investigation.
'Cleavage sparing'
A spokeswoman said: "He cannot comment further due to his duty of patient confidentiality and the ongoing investigation."
Det Ch Insp Matt Markham, from West Midlands Police, said: "Police can confirm it has received a referral from the GMC in relation to allegations about the medical practices of a surgeon who previously worked in Solihull.Det Ch Insp Matt Markham, from West Midlands Police, said: "Police can confirm it has received a referral from the GMC in relation to allegations about the medical practices of a surgeon who previously worked in Solihull.
"A criminal inquiry has been launched and the force is working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine the course of the investigation.""A criminal inquiry has been launched and the force is working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine the course of the investigation."
'Cleavage sparing'
Mr Paterson is accused of performing "cleavage sparing" mastectomies at Solihull Hospital and two private hospitals owned by Spire Healthcare in Solihull and Little Aston, Staffordshire.Mr Paterson is accused of performing "cleavage sparing" mastectomies at Solihull Hospital and two private hospitals owned by Spire Healthcare in Solihull and Little Aston, Staffordshire.
Heart of England NHS Trust found in 2007 that the procedure, which left a small amount of tissue for cosmetic reasons, breached national guidelines because of the risk of the cancer returning.Heart of England NHS Trust found in 2007 that the procedure, which left a small amount of tissue for cosmetic reasons, breached national guidelines because of the risk of the cancer returning.
Mr Paterson is also being investigated by the GMC over claims he may have also unnecessarily removed lumps from patients' breasts.Mr Paterson is also being investigated by the GMC over claims he may have also unnecessarily removed lumps from patients' breasts.
Thompsons Solicitors, which is representing the women, said it had already settled one claim for compensation from the NHS Trust.Thompsons Solicitors, which is representing the women, said it had already settled one claim for compensation from the NHS Trust.
Aresh Anwar, Medical Director for Heart of England Foundation Trust, said Mr Paterson had not carried out any procedures at the hospital since May 2011. Aresh Anwar, medical director for Heart of England Foundation Trust, said Mr Paterson had not carried out any procedures at the hospital since May 2011.
Spire Healthcare said it was continuing to investigate the practice of Mr Paterson in conjunction with the GMC and the NHS Trust.Spire Healthcare said it was continuing to investigate the practice of Mr Paterson in conjunction with the GMC and the NHS Trust.