Cleavage sparing mastectomies - latest developments

There has been much interest in the press recently about the ongoing issues at Heart of England NHS Trust and the operations performed by Mr Ian Paterson.

The Trust continue their recall of effected patients and are in active discussions with solicitors acting for claimants, including ourselves, as to how claims will be dealt with in the future.

There continues to be uncertainty as to the number of women who were the victims of “Cleavage Sparing Mastectomy”.  Reports variously say that 500 women have been recalled and that more are yet to be recalled.  We were recently told by the Trust that 400 patients were involved but they have been asked to clarify the position and confirm the precise number wrongly treated.  A reply is awaited.

Anybody who thinks they may have been a victim of this unauthorised procedure should seek both medical and legal advice as to the options available to them.  Our experience on existing cases is that the amount of retained breast tissue has often been substantial, in some cases actually exceeding the amount removed in the original Cleavage Sparing Mastectomy.

Penmans Solicitors LLP are part of the group of Claimant solicitors dealing with these claims.  We feel that it is essential that advice is sought as quickly as possible.  We are happy to advise anybody potentially effected as to the issues and how they are being dealt with.