An NHS trust in north-east England has confirmed that 20 women underwent unnecessary mastectomies as part of a wider scandal involving breast cancer treatment at its facilities. The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) disclosed that these cases are among hundreds of patients who suffered harm while receiving care at its breast unit.
The trust’s admission follows a comprehensive internal review covering breast cancer cases between January 2023 and February 2025, as well as inquiries into former patients who contacted a dedicated helpline. Of 514 cases examined so far, 315 patients were identified as having experienced harm, with 77 classified as significant, and one reported death linked to treatment shortcomings. The trust plans to extend its review to include cases dating back to 2015, potentially involving the reassessment of up to 10,000 patient records.
Chief Executive Steve Russell expressed "unreserved" apologies to those affected, acknowledging that the failings had profound impacts on patients and their families. He said the trust recognized missed opportunities to respond more effectively and earlier to concerns and reported ongoing efforts to improve breast services. The trust’s board was scheduled to meet to discuss the situation and provide further updates.
At the center of the controversy is consultant surgeon Amir Bhatti, who served as clinical lead for breast cancer services at the trust. It was revealed that the trust had spent nearly £6 million over six years on services provided by private clinics operated by Bhatti. The arrangement, described by Russell as a "conflict of interest," raised significant concerns after a 2025 review highlighted a "clear financial incentive" to shift NHS patients into private care, potentially compromising clinical standards. Private sessions reportedly involved a substantially higher number of procedures than NHS shifts. Additional issues included inadequate discussion of cases in multidisciplinary team meetings, reportedly “too quick” operations, and a high rate of repeated procedures alongside a low uptake of immediate breast reconstruction.
Bhatti has denied performing any unnecessary mastectomies and blamed the trust’s payments to his private clinics as part of the issue. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing, with Durham Police and the National Crime Agency involved to determine if any criminal offenses occurred.
Several patients have spoken publicly about their experiences. Denise Howarth, diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in early 2023, was initially told she needed a mastectomy but later informed by the trust that the surgery had been unnecessary. She described the revelation as devastating and life-changing. Another patient, identified only as Jo, recounted experiencing shock and distress upon learning her mastectomy was avoidable.
Medical negligence specialists representing affected patients have called for a public inquiry into the trust’s breast cancer services. They emphasized that such services should provide reliable, high-quality care and support, underscoring that systemic failures at the trust have led to significant harm over an extended period.
The trust continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies while conducting its internal review and implementing changes aimed at preventing further harm to patients.