Twenty women had breasts removed unnecessarily during NHS cancer care

Twenty women were subjected to unnecessary breast removal procedures during cancer treatment at a hospital in northeast England, according to the County Durham and Darlington foundation trust (CDDFT). The admission was made following a BBC report that more than 200 patients had suffered harm at the trust's breast unit. The National Crime Agency is collaborating with Durham police to investigate allegations by former patients and determine if any criminal offenses occurred.

Steve Russell, who recently became chief executive of the CDDFT, expressed deep regret for the women and families who experienced harm due to failings in breast services. Russell acknowledged that there were opportunities to address the issues but failed to do so promptly. Since then, significant changes have been implemented in the breast service, and ongoing reviews continue to identify patients potentially affected by harm.

Jo, a woman who had an unnecessary mastectomy, shared her shock and devastation, stating that had she been given proper screening and biopsies, the need for the mastectomy would have been avoided. Denise Howarth, a breast cancer patient, also expressed her shock upon learning the mastectomy she underwent was unnecessary. She emphasized that an apology from the trust is insufficient, as the incident has had a profound, life-changing impact on her.

Rachel O'Connor, from the medical negligence team at Hudgell Solicitors, is calling for a public inquiry into the matter, emphasizing that breast cancer services should provide exceptional care and support. O'Connor stated that deep-rooted, systematic failures at the CDDFT have led to women suffering serious harm.