The short version
- An NHS trust in north-east England has confirmed that twenty women underwent unnecessary mastectomies as part of a broader pattern of clinical failures affecting hundreds of breast cancer patients.
- Internal reviews indicate that 315 patients suffered harm, with 77 experiencing significant injury and one death, prompting an investigation by the National Crime Agency into potential criminal offenses.
- The scandal centers on outsourced private clinics linked to a suspended consultant, raising concerns about financial conflicts of interest that may have compromised clinical standards.
A major healthcare provider in north-east England has admitted to serious failures in its breast cancer treatment unit, confirming that twenty women underwent mastectomies that were not medically necessary. The County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT) made this disclosure following an internal review of cases treated between January 2023 and February 2025. This admission marks a significant escalation in a scandal that has already revealed widespread harm to patients, with the trust acknowledging that hundreds of individuals suffered negative outcomes during their treatment.
The scope of the failure extends beyond the twenty unnecessary surgeries. Of the 514 cases reviewed so far, the trust identified 315 patients who experienced some form of harm. Among these, 77 were classified as significantly harmed, and one patient is known to have died. The errors included missed or delayed diagnoses, which in some instances allowed cancer to spread before proper treatment could begin. Steve Russell, the newly appointed chief executive of CDDFT, has issued an unreserved apology, describing the events as utterly unacceptable and expressing personal distress over the harm caused to patients.
Patients have described profound physical and psychological trauma resulting from these medical errors. Denise Howarth, a 51-year-old from Consett, learned in September 2025 that her mastectomy could have been avoided. Diagnosed with slow-growing cancer in 2023, she initially underwent a lumpectomy but was subsequently subjected to full breast removal, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. A letter from the trust acknowledged that the option of a second lumpectomy was never discussed with her. Howarth expressed shock and grief, noting that while apologies are offered, they cannot reverse the physical loss.
Other former patients have shared similar accounts of betrayal and pain. One woman, known only as Jo, who worked within the NHS herself, stated she felt mutilated by the procedure she underwent in 2021. She described the trust's mistakes as unforgivable, emphasizing her prior trust in colleagues to provide competent care. Pam Brown, another patient treated at a private clinic associated with the trust, used strong language to describe her experience, feeling butchered by the operation. These personal testimonies highlight the deep erosion of trust between patients and the healthcare system following these revelations.
The investigation has focused heavily on the role of Mr. Amir Bhatti, the clinical lead for breast services at CDDFT from 2013 to 2024. Bhatti oversaw the care of several affected patients, including Howarth and Jo. He has been suspended from clinical practice but remains employed by the trust on full pay. Concerns about his involvement were raised in a 2025 governance review conducted by Mary Aubrey, which highlighted risks to clinical standards due to financial incentives created by outsourcing patient appointments to private clinics.
Financial records reveal that nearly £6 million was paid over six years to breast cancer diagnostic and surgery companies run privately by Bhatti. This arrangement involved payment per service, a model Russell argues is not uncommon in healthcare but admits was poorly managed in this instance, creating a conflict of interest. The trust has since ended these outsourcing arrangements for breast cancer services. The governance review suggested that the financial structure potentially compromised clinical decision-making, leading to procedures that were not in the best interest of patients.
In response to the growing outcry, dozens of affected women and their families have contacted media outlets and formed support groups. They are calling for a public inquiry to fully examine the extent of the failures. The National Crime Agency is now working with Durham Police to investigate allegations made by former patients, determining whether any criminal offenses occurred. This legal scrutiny adds another layer of complexity to the situation, moving beyond internal administrative reviews to potential criminal liability.
The trust is currently considering expanding its internal review to include cases dating back to 2015. Such an expansion could involve reopening up to 10,000 medical records, significantly increasing the workload and potential for further discoveries. A decision on this extension is imminent. As the investigation deepens, the focus remains on understanding how systemic failures allowed such widespread harm to occur and what measures are necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident underscores broader challenges within the NHS regarding oversight of private partnerships and clinical governance. While payment models for services are standard, the lack of proper management of conflicts of interest in this case led to severe consequences. The trust’s leadership has acknowledged these shortcomings, but for the patients affected, the damage is irreversible. The coming months will likely see more details emerge as the scope of the review expands and legal investigations proceed.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Twenty women had breasts removed unnecessarily, NHS trust admits
