The inquests into disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson’s patients are expected to cost more than £6.5 million, ITV News has learned.
The inquests, which are currently suspended, started in October last year and are examining the deaths of 62 women who were operated on by Paterson and later died of breast cancer.
So far, only one inquest has concluded, and it found that the woman in question wasn’t even operated on by Paterson.
Now, an investigation into the cost of the inquests, obtained via Freedom of Information requests submitted by ITV News, has revealed:
More than £6.5 million of taxpayers’ money has been set aside for the inquests
They were due to finish next year, but Birmingham City Council is allocating funds into 2028
More than £2.5 million has already been spent, with only one inquest concluding so far
The costs all relate to the administration of the inquests, including fees for the coroner, legal counsel, solicitors and legal teams representing the NHS.
Shirley Moroney, whose sister Marie was operated on by Paterson and who died in 2008, said: "It’s just shocking, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg."
Paterson was found guilty of 17 counts of wounding patients with intent, against 10 victims, at Nottingham Crown Court in 2017.
He was initially handed a 15-year prison term, but Court of Appeal judges increased his tariff to 20 years in 2018.
These inquests are now the fifth investigation into his practices following two independent reports, a criminal trial and one government inquiry.
Not a single inquest has been heard so far this year, with several hearings cancelled, leaving families in limbo.
• Subscribe to ITV News on YouTube: http://bit.ly/2lOHmNj
• Get breaking news and more stories at http://www.itv.com/news
Follows ITV News on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@itvnews?lang=en
Follow ITV News on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itvnews/
Follow ITV News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itvnews/
Follow ITV News on Twitter: https://twitter.com/itvnews
