NHS Trust Admits Hundreds Harmed, Including 20 Unnecessary Mastectomies
An NHS trust has acknowledged significant harm to 315 women due to cancer care, with at least 20 undergoing mastectomies that were not required.
A County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT) has admitted that hundreds of women have suffered harm from their cancer care, including at least 20 who underwent unnecessary mastectomies. In total, 315 out of 514 reviewed cases experienced harm, with 77 deemed to have suffered significant harm, and one patient known to have died.
Steve Russell, chief executive of CDDFT, issued an unreserved apology for the distress and harm caused, stating the events were "utterly unacceptable." The trust also identified missed or delayed cancer diagnoses that led to some patients' cancer spreading.
Among those affected is Denise Howarth, 51, who was diagnosed with grade 1 cancer in 2023. After a lumpectomy and mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she was informed in September 2025 that a second lumpectomy might have been a sufficient alternative to full breast removal. "I was just in shock, then ended up in tears on the phone," Howarth said. "It can't give me my breast back."
Another former NHS worker, who wished to remain anonymous, discovered this year that a mastectomy she had in 2021 could have been avoided. She expressed feeling "mutilated" and called the mistakes "absolutely unforgivable."
Investigation and Clinical Lead Suspension
The consultant overseeing these patients' care was 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 extending the review to cases dating back to 2015, potentially reopening up to 10,000 medical records. The National Crime Agency and Durham Police are investigating the allegations to determine if criminal offenses have occurred.
Concerns about the financial incentives created by outsourcing patient appointments were raised in a 2025 review, with suggestions that locum consultants might not have been competent. The trust has since ended its arrangement for payment per service for breast cancer services.
Mr. Bhatti stated he was grateful for the opportunity to respond but deemed it inappropriate to discuss the matter while the trust's investigation is ongoing. The Royal College of Surgeons also raised concerns last year regarding inadequate discussion of breast cancer cases in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
Support and Public Inquiry Calls
A support group has been formed for affected women to share their experiences and advocate for a public inquiry. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the "unacceptable failings in care" and stated that the trust is working with NHS England, the Care Quality Commission, and independent experts to ensure patient safety.