"Breast cancer patients suffered unnecessary mastectomies, delayed diagnoses and a lack of compassionate care at an NHS Trust in north-east England, the BBC has learned. More than 200 cases are now being investigated at County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT) - 43 of these are reported to involve significant harm. One death is also being examined. Women have told us they were left feeling "butchered" by surgery,"
"Among the shortcomings it highlights are: Outdated clinical practices that did not meet guidance on best practice, and led to delayed diagnosis and cancers being missed A high rate of "re-excision" (repeated procedures) and low uptake of breast reconstruction immediately after mastectomy Operations that may have been carried out "too quickly" Outsourcing of many patient appointments in a manner that created a "conflict of interests" and "posed a risk to clinical standards""
County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT) is investigating more than 200 breast cancer cases treated since 2023, with 43 reported to involve significant harm and one death under examination. Nearly 1,600 patient records are being reviewed. Findings include outdated clinical practices that missed cancers and caused delayed diagnoses, a high rate of re-excision, low uptake of immediate breast reconstruction, and operations that may have been carried out too quickly. Nearly £6m was paid to private clinics run by the trust's main breast surgeon. Persistent concerns were raised since 2012 after the trust lost its training-centre status, and warnings went unacted upon. The trust has apologised to harmed women and families.
Read at www.bbc.com
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