Woman's breast removal 'unnecessary'

Gail Boichet had a mastectomy 17 years ago, but a re-examination of her case found that she should not have had the operation.

The surgeon who carried out her operation is being investigated by the police over alleged botched or unnecessary breast cancer operations at West Midlands hospitals.

An independent review will also take place into breast care services at Solihull Hospital, part of the Heart of England NHS Trust.

Concerns about Ian Paterson were initially raised in December 2011, and over the last year the care plans of all patients thought to have been affected have been reviewed.

It is alleged he carried out the botched or unnecessary operations between 1994 and 2011, some of which were found to breach guidelines.

Mr Paterson is accused of performing "cleavage-sparing" mastectomies at Solihull Hospital and two private hospitals owned by Spire Healthcare in Solihull and Little Aston, Staffordshire.

He has been suspended by the General Medical Council.

In a statement issued on his behalf, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) said he was co-operating fully with the GMC investigation.

Ms Boichet told the BBC what happened in her case.