NHS Breast Cancer Scandal: 10,000 Patient Files May Be Reopened

Investigators may reopen the medical files of up to 10,000 patients in connection with a breast cancer scandal at the County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT), where it is alleged that hundreds of women experienced harm due to substandard care.

The review has so far identified 315 women who suffered harm, with 77 experiencing significant harm, and one patient has died. The trust acknowledges that cases involve excessive surgery, outdated practices, or missed or delayed cancer diagnoses, leading to the spread of cancer in some instances.

The trust's board is set to decide whether to expand the review to encompass as many as 10,000 cases dating back to 2015. This internal review, currently examining cases from January 2023 to February 2025, also includes 640 former patients who have contacted a dedicated helpline.

Consultant surgeon Amir Bhatti, who served as CDDFT's clinical lead for breast cancer services from 2013 to 2024, has been suspended from clinical practice pending an internal investigation. He remains employed by the trust on full pay. The National Crime Agency is collaborating with Durham Police to investigate allegations made by former patients and to ascertain if any criminal offenses have occurred.

CDDFT's chief executive, Steve Russell, issued an unreserved apology for the harm caused, stating that the events were "utterly unacceptable."

Among the affected patients is Denise Howarth, who was informed by the NHS that her breast was removed unnecessarily. Diagnosed with grade 1 cancer in 2023, she underwent a lumpectomy followed by a mastectomy, along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A subsequent letter from CDDFT indicated that a second lumpectomy might have been an alternative to a full breast removal, an option that was not discussed with her.

Another patient, Pam Brown, had a mastectomy in 2022 at a private clinic outsourced by the trust. While she believes her operation was necessary, she experienced significant physical and psychological distress. Photos of her scarring were described as "awful" by former surgeon Liz O'Riordan, who noted that Mr. Bhatti had overseen the care of both women.

Concerns have also been raised regarding financial arrangements between CDDFT and Mr. Bhatti's private surgical companies. The trust spent nearly £6 million over six years on these services, a situation Mr. Russell acknowledged as a "conflict of interest." A 2025 review by governance specialist Mary Aubrey highlighted a "clear financial incentive" for Mr. Bhatti's firms to treat more NHS patients on a per-case basis, potentially compromising clinical standards.

Further scrutiny emerged from a 2025 report by the Royal College of Surgeons, which indicated that many breast cancer cases were not adequately discussed in multi-disciplinary team meetings. The trust also exhibited a high rate of repeat procedures, low rates of immediate breast reconstruction, and operations that may have been performed too hastily.

The Aubrey Review also suggested the possibility of patients being treated by incompetent locum consultants. It noted that Mr. Bhatti had frequently raised concerns about delays in the trust's procurement of essential diagnostic equipment.

Mr. Bhatti has denied performing unnecessary mastectomies, attributing the situation to NHS funding of his private clinics. He has not apologized to patients who claim to have suffered disfigurement under his care, stating that "Nobody ever does anything like that."

CDDFT has confirmed its full cooperation with the ongoing police and National Crime Agency investigation. The Department of Health and Social Care stated that its thoughts are with the affected individuals and families, and that the trust is working with NHS England, the Care Quality Commission, and independent experts to ensure patient safety.