UK Health Secretary Strips Ian Paterson's Pension

Ian Paterson, a disgraced breast surgeon serving a 20-year prison sentence for conducting unnecessary surgeries on over 1,000 patients, is set to lose his £1 million pension. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has authorized the removal of Paterson's taxpayer-funded pension, citing rules that allow forfeiture for criminal acts that undermine public confidence in the NHS. Inquests into the deaths of 62 patients treated by Paterson are scheduled to begin this month, with another 20 to follow later. Paterson was convicted in 2017 of multiple counts of wounding after he falsely diagnosed cancer in patients and performed unnecessary procedures between 1997 and 2011. This unprecedented decision aligns with similar actions taken against other professionals found guilty of serious crimes. The Department of Health has expressed condolences to the families affected by Paterson's actions.