NHS Trust Admits Hundreds Harmed, 20 Underwent Unnecessary Mastectomies

A National Health Service (NHS) Trust has admitted that hundreds of women suffered harm during breast cancer treatment, including at least 20 who underwent unnecessary mastectomies. The County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT) reviewed 514 cases and found that 315 patients experienced harm, with 77 deemed to have suffered significant harm. One patient's death has been linked to the care received.

Steve Russell, the trust's chief executive, issued an unreserved apology, stating, "There are no words I could use to convey how personally distressed I am and my colleagues are for those outcomes and the harm that those women have experienced. What happened was utterly unacceptable."

The trust also identified missed or delayed cancer diagnoses that led to the spread of cancer in some patients. Denise Howarth, 51, from Consett, County Durham, described her shock upon being informed that a lumpectomy could have been an alternative to the mastectomy she received after a grade 1 cancer diagnosis in 2023. She underwent a lumpectomy, then a mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, only to be told in September 2025 that a second lumpectomy might have been sufficient.

Another woman, who preferred to remain anonymous, contacted the trust's helpline after being told earlier this year that her 2021 mastectomy could have been avoided. The former NHS worker expressed feeling "mutilated" by the operation and called the mistakes "absolutely unforgivable."

Both women were treated under the care of Amir Bhatti, the CDDFT's clinical lead for breast services from 2013 to 2024. Mr. Bhatti has been suspended from clinical practice but remains employed by the trust on full pay. The trust is currently reviewing breast cancer cases between January 2023 and February 2025, and is considering expanding the review to include cases dating back to 2015, potentially reopening up to 10,000 medical records.

The National Crime Agency is collaborating with Durham Police to investigate potential criminal offenses based on allegations from former patients. Last year, reports indicated that Mr. Bhatti's privately run breast cancer diagnostic clinics and surgery companies received nearly £6 million from the trust. A 2025 review had previously raised concerns that outsourcing patient appointments created financial incentives that posed a "risk to clinical standards."

Mr. Russell acknowledged that while payment per service is common in healthcare, the trust has discontinued this arrangement for breast cancer services. The review also noted concerns about potentially incompetent locum consultants treating patients and cited Mr. Bhatti's repeated expressions of concern about delays in obtaining vital diagnostic equipment.

Mr. Bhatti stated, "I am grateful for the opportunity to respond, but I remain committed to the ongoing trust investigation, and it would be inappropriate for me to discuss this whilst proceedings are ongoing."

The Royal College of Surgeons also raised concerns last year about breast cancer cases not being adequately discussed in multi-disciplinary team meetings. The CDDFT is fully cooperating with the police and National Crime Agency investigation. A support group for affected women is advocating for a public inquiry into the matter. The Department of Health and Social Care expressed its thoughts are with the affected women and families, and confirmed the trust is working with NHS England, the Care Quality Commission, and independent experts to ensure patient safety.