THE Government has announced that its formal written response to the Paterson Inquiry will be delayed due to "diverted resources" in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.
The report of the independent inquiry into the issues raised by the former breast surgeon Ian Paterson was published in February 2020 and describes failures in the ability of the healthcare system to detect and protect patients from the consequences of Paterson’s malpractice.
MDDUS CEO Chris Kenny commented: "While it is understandable that COVID-19 has delayed this work, we hope that action on the important patient safety recommendations of this important report are taken forward as promptly as possible.
"But it’s also important that Government recognises that the current crisis has weakened still further the already poorly-argued case for imposing the extra cost of compulsory insurance premium tax and insurance regulation on doctors, dentists and other clinicians. With general dental practice effectively on hold for an indefinite period, it’s time that this threat to all clinical professions was taken off the table once and for all, rather than just being kicked forward.
"Our strong view is that choice on indemnity or insurance for healthcare professionals and protection for patients are complementary, not opposite, goals and we hope to see recognition of that in the outcomes reached by Ministers in due course."
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