Margaret Clayton: Disgraceful surgeon Ian Paterson has butchered unique bond of trust between patient and doctor

If there is one person you should be able to trust, it’s your doctor.

He or she has chosen a caring profession and with their knowledge, skill and experience you put your life in their hands and believe they will do the best for you.

But the shocking case this week of disgraced Scottish surgeon Ian Paterson, who needlessly carried out breast surgery on many female patients, shakes the very foundation of that trust.

Why would a man want to mutilate his patients, causing both physical and mental scars that will take years to heal?

He has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, but even in the dock this arrogant man showed no remorse for his horrific crimes.

Paterson not only broke the law, he destroyed the very special bond between patient and doctor.

The family GP is the person you turn to when you’re worried about a child who won’t sleep at night. They see you through a difficult pregnancy. They calm your fears that your toddler has terrible tantrums – and what are you doing wrong?

If life is becoming difficult and you fear depression they are the one you can talk to and get help.

When the menopause kicks in and you’re struggling a bit – a caring doctor can help.

Some, of course, are better at the human skills than others.

There are those who focus on the notepad or screen in front of them and don’t relate in a soothing manner.

But I’ve found our family GPs have been supportive through the hurly-burly of life.

They were understanding and practical when my father-in-law had Alzheimer’s and we were faced with new challenges. Their advice helped us cope.

So I find it so hard to comprehend why Paterson could so abuse his position to hurt and harm women who believed what he said, followed his advice and had surgery that was not required.

It’s a sickening thought.

At what point does the desire to do good and to heal, physically and mentally, become corrupted?

My grandson David is studying medicine at Glasgow University and I’ve met some of his student friends – bright-eyed, hopeful, eager, intelligent and idealistic young people who want to do good in the world and to play their part in healing and helping others.

They will feel sickened at the betrayal of all their profession stands for by a doctor like Paterson.

All we can hope for is that the women he so heinously betrayed find peace in knowing he has been brought to justice. Their courage in speaking out has been immense.

We must never forget the relationship between ourselves and our doctor depends on trust – on both sides.

That’s what makes it unique.