Key Takeaways:
- Over 200 cases of breast cancer patients are being investigated at County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT) for unnecessary mastectomies, delayed diagnoses, and lack of compassionate care.
- 43 cases involve significant harm, and one death is being examined.
- Nearly £6m was paid out by the trust to clinics run privately by its main breast cancer surgeon.
- An independent review found outdated clinical practices, high rates of re-excision, and low uptake of breast reconstruction.
- The trust has apologized for substandard care and has taken steps to address concerns, including appointing a new chief executive and interim chair.
Introduction to the Scandal
The County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT) has been embroiled in a scandal surrounding its breast cancer services. An investigation by the BBC has revealed that over 200 cases are being examined, with 43 involving significant harm and one death. The trust has apologized for its substandard care, which included delayed diagnoses, unnecessary mastectomies, and a lack of compassionate care. The scandal has been described as a "textbook example of how not to carry out breast cancer management" by a leading expert.
Delays and Scars
One of the women affected by the trust’s substandard care is Kate Driver, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. Kate’s diagnosis was delayed, and she was not offered the option of breast reconstruction. She was told that she would need a mastectomy, but was advised against having reconstruction at the same time. Kate sought a second opinion at another trust, where she was told that there was no reason why she should not receive a breast reconstruction immediately after her mastectomy. The County Durham and Darlington NHS trust has apologized to Kate, saying that her care "fell below acceptable standards."
Lack of Compassionate Care
The BBC has also heard allegations from breast cancer patients about a lack of compassion and care at the trust. Catriona McEvoy, from Stanley in County Durham, told the BBC that she felt women were being treated by the doctors "like a conveyor belt." She says that she was shocked by the response from one doctor during a hospital appointment, after she told him her breast had become infected following a lumpectomy. The doctor cut her breast to drain the infected area without speaking to her, offering her painkillers, or asking her permission. The trust has told the BBC that the doctor is now under supervision.
Outdated Clinical Practices
An independent review into the running of CDDFT found that the trust was using outdated clinical practices that did not meet guidance on best practice. The review, carried out by governance specialist Mary Aubrey, highlighted a high rate of "re-excision" (repeated procedures) and low uptake of breast reconstruction immediately after mastectomy. The review also found that operations may have been carried out "too quickly" and that the trust had a "conflict of interests" in outsourcing many patient appointments to private clinics.
Private Clinics and Conflict of Interest
The BBC has discovered that nearly £6m was paid out by the trust to clinics run privately by its main breast cancer surgeon, Amir Bhatti. The clinics were run on an out-of-hours basis, seeing patients in the evenings and at weekends. The arrangement was considered "overly generous" by some staff, who were interviewed for a Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) report into treatment and care at the trust. The RCS raised concerns about the high turnover of appointments, commenting that it was not unusual for one clinic "to run on until 23:30."
Response from the Trust
The trust has apologized for its substandard care and has taken steps to address concerns. Steve Russell, who was appointed chief executive of County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust in September 2025, said: "The important thing to do… is to say how deeply sorry I am, that women who have been cared for in our breast services have been let down by us." The trust has also appointed a new interim chair and has stopped using the out-of-hours clinics run by Mr. Bhatti. Mr. Bhatti is no longer clinical lead of the breast service, treating breast cancer patients or performing surgery, while investigations continue.
Conclusion
The scandal surrounding the County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust’s breast cancer services is a shocking example of how not to carry out breast cancer management. The trust’s substandard care has caused harm and distress to hundreds of women, and it is only now taking steps to address its shortcomings. The trust’s apology and commitment to change are welcome, but it will take time to rebuild trust with the women and families affected by its care. The scandal highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the NHS and the importance of listening to patients’ concerns and taking action to address them.