Police investigating death of rogue West Midlands breast surgeon Ian Paterson’s patient
Ian Paterson was jailed in 2017.
A police investigation has been launched into the death of a woman who was treated by jailed breast surgeon Ian Paterson.
Paterson is serving a 20-year prison sentence after being found to have carried out unnecessary and unapproved procedures on more than 1,000 breast cancer patients over a period of 14 years.
Coroner Richard Foster opened inquests into the deaths of more than 70 of Paterson’s former patients at Birmingham and Solihull Coroner’s Court and is investigating whether the surgeon’s actions contributed to their deaths.
Mr Foster referred the case of Joan Green to police after “matters arose” during preliminary inquiries.
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The coroner said her inquest had recently been opened in Staffordshire.
He has not said when Mrs Green died or released any other details about her death.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “We received the referral from HM Coroner in August and reviewed the available information.
“We have now advised HM Coroner that we have commenced a criminal investigation to establish more details around the circumstances of the death of Joan Green.”
The inquest into Mrs Green’s death was adjourned last month while the criminal investigation takes place.
Mr Foster said: “This is a procedural course reflecting the fact that there is now a police investigation and the need to avoid duplication between the two processes.
“I have reached no concluded view as to the circumstances of Mrs Green’s death, and nothing should be inferred in that respect from the decision to adjourn the inquest.”
He added: “The wider process concerning the deaths of former patients of Mr Paterson remains ongoing, and the other investigations and inquests will continue to be considered and progressed on their individual evidence.”
Paterson was employed by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust and practised in the private sector at Spire Parkway in Solihull and Spire Little Aston in Sutton Coldfield.
He was found guilty of 17 counts of wounding with intent and three counts of unlawful wounding relating to unnecessary operations performed on 10 patients between 1997 and 2011.
The inquests have been ongoing for more than two years since October 2024, and are not likely to finish before Paterson is due to be released halfway through his sentence next year.