At least 20 women underwent unnecessary mastectomies and over 300 others were reportedly harmed during breast cancer treatment at the County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust, according to a recent review of the trust’s services. The care of 1,472 patients treated by the trust’s breast surgery department between January 2023 and February 2025 is currently under investigation.

One affected patient, Denise Howarth, 51, described the experience as life-altering. Diagnosed with Grade 1 breast cancer in February 2023, Howarth initially had a lumpectomy. After a follow-up assessment indicated the cancer was not entirely removed, she was offered a mastectomy within days. The operation went ahead, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, in September 2024, the trust informed her that the mastectomy had, in fact, been unnecessary.

“This was something that really knocked me off my feet,” Howarth said, reflecting on the trust’s admission. “You put your trust in professional people. To be so badly let down is something I’ll never be able to come to terms with.” She described ongoing emotional and practical struggles, including difficulty selecting clothing and coping with her altered body image. Howarth is now represented by Hudgell Solicitors.

Among 539 cases reviewed as of early September, 59 were found to have resulted in moderate harm and 19 in severe harm. One patient has died. An additional 242 cases involved minor harm. Many affected individuals expressed feelings of being "butchered" or "mutilated" after learning their surgeries were unnecessary.

The trust has suspended Mr. Amir Bhatti, the consultant who led the breast cancer service, from patient care pending further investigation. A 2025 external review raised concerns regarding financial arrangements involving breast cancer diagnostic clinics and surgery providers privately operated by Mr. Bhatti. Governance expert Mary Aubrey warned that outsourcing appointments could create financial incentives, potentially compromising clinical standards.

Appointed last year, trust chief executive Steve Russell acknowledged the failings in the breast service and issued a formal apology. “We are deeply sorry to the women and families who have been harmed and let down by failings,” he said. Russell added that the trust had missed earlier opportunities to address the issues but has since implemented significant changes aimed at improving patient care.