Key Takeaways
- The County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust has apologized for letting down women who have been cared for in their breast services.
- The trust’s new chief executive, Steve Russell, has acknowledged that there were missed opportunities and a lack of timely action, leading to distress and pain for individuals and their families.
- A new interim chair of the trust has been appointed, and NHS England will continue to support the new leadership in making necessary improvements.
- The trust’s former clinical lead, Mr. Bhatti, has disputed the findings of a report, citing factual inaccuracies and erroneous conclusions.
- Mr. Bhatti is no longer treating breast cancer patients or performing surgery while investigations continue, but he has been raising concerns about equipment adequacy in the breast cancer department since May 2021.
Introduction to the Apology
The appointment of a new chief executive, Steve Russell, at the County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust in September 2025, has been followed by a public apology for the trust’s failure to provide adequate care to women in their breast services. Russell’s apology acknowledges the distress and pain caused to individuals and their families, as well as the loss of trust and confidence in the organization. He has taken responsibility for the trust’s shortcomings, stating that there were missed opportunities and a lack of timely action, which is unacceptable. Russell’s determination to make changes and prevent similar incidents in the future is a step towards regaining the trust of the community.
Response to the Incident
The trust’s response to the incident has been multifaceted. In addition to Russell’s apology, a new interim chair of the trust has been appointed, and NHS England has committed to continuing its support for the new leadership in making necessary improvements. The trust has also stopped using the out-of-hours clinics run by Mr. Bhatti, the former clinical lead, while investigations are ongoing. Furthermore, Mr. Bhatti is no longer treating breast cancer patients or performing surgery, which indicates that the trust is taking steps to address the issues that led to the apology. The trust’s actions demonstrate a willingness to acknowledge and learn from their mistakes, which is essential for rebuilding trust with the community.
Dispute Over the Report
Mr. Bhatti, the former clinical lead, has disputed the findings of a report related to the incident, citing factual inaccuracies and erroneous conclusions. He has expressed his disappointment at not being given the opportunity to comment on the draft findings of the report. Mr. Bhatti’s spokesperson has stated that he has been raising concerns about the adequacy of equipment in the breast cancer department since May 2021. This revelation suggests that there may have been underlying issues with the trust’s equipment and resources, which could have contributed to the problems that led to the apology. The dispute over the report highlights the complexity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation to determine the root causes of the trust’s failures.
Commitment to Improvement
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the incident, the trust’s new leadership has expressed a commitment to improvement. Steve Russell’s determination to make changes and prevent similar incidents in the future is a positive step towards regaining the trust of the community. The appointment of a new interim chair and the support from NHS England also demonstrate a willingness to address the issues that led to the apology. The trust’s actions, including the suspension of Mr. Bhatti’s clinics and his removal from treating breast cancer patients, indicate that they are taking the situation seriously and are working to prevent similar incidents in the future. The commitment to improvement is essential for rebuilding trust and ensuring that the trust provides the best possible care to its patients.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust has apologized for letting down women who have been cared for in their breast services. The trust’s new leadership has acknowledged the mistakes of the past and is committed to making changes to prevent similar incidents in the future. The dispute over the report and the suspension of Mr. Bhatti’s clinics highlight the complexity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation. The trust’s commitment to improvement and the support from NHS England are positive steps towards regaining the trust of the community. As the trust moves forward, it is essential that they prioritize transparency, accountability, and patient-centered care to ensure that they provide the best possible care to their patients.