Overview

• Ian Paterson, convicted in 2017 for wounding patients, is required to give evidence at inquests into the deaths of his former patients but has refused to attend.
• The inquests, which began with the case of Chloe Nikitas, aim to determine if Paterson's controversial procedures contributed to patient deaths.
• Paterson's 'cleavage-sparing mastectomy' left breast tissue behind, increasing the risk of cancer recurrence, affecting over 1,000 patients.
• Coroner Richard Foster emphasized the importance of Paterson's testimony for the families seeking answers, despite Paterson's claims of unfair proceedings.
• The inquests will examine potential systemic failures in hospital management and regulatory oversight during Paterson's practice.