CAMPAIGNERS have called for the independent inquiry into how disgraced breast surgeon was allowed to permanently disfigure dozens of patients, many of whom did not even require surgery.

Mother-of-one Tracey Smith, who was operated on by Glasgow-born Ian Paterson, made the call as she supported a Government announcement yesterday the probe’s scope is to be widened to include lessons that could be learned by the private health industry.

She said it must find out why Paterson, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of the botched operations, was able to carry out surgery despite his CV stating he was qualified only to conduct vascular surgery.

Although employed by an NHS foundation, Paterson, of Altrincham, also worked in the private sector for a hospital in Solihull, West Midlands.

Ms Smith “We’re happy that we seem to be finally getting somewhere after five years.

“We’ve kept on the fight also for the ladies that didn’t make it past treatment by Paterson, and their families, to get answers as to why he was allowed to continue after red flags were raised. He was allowed to continue when it was clearly shown on his CV he was only a vascular surgeon. Why was he doing breast surgery?”

The inquiry to be chaired by the Bishop of Norwich, the Right Reverend Graham James.