On 11 March, BBC West Midlands published an article entitled ‘Mistreated cancer patients say hospital revoked promise’. The article contained a number of quotes from a spokesperson speaking on behalf of Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust and, in particular, one comment regarding Sir Ian Kennedy, who undertook an enquiry into concerns about the Trust’s response to concerns over surgeon Ian Paterson’s practice.

The Trust would like to clarify that this comment was made in the context of an on-going discussion between the Trust’s doctors and patients’ representatives about the best way to provide care to patients who were treated by Paterson. It was not intended to diminish the relevance of Sir Ian’s reports or his standing in any way. On the contrary, the Trust found Sir Ian’s reports very insightful and helpful, and this continues to be the case, notwithstanding recent changes to the leadership team at the Trust. The Trust continues to use Sir Ian’s recommendations to guide its decisions regarding the review of patients operated on by Paterson.

The Trust has apologised to Sir Ian for the lack of both clarity and context of the Trust’s comments regarding his work.