Medical negligence
At least 12 patients come to harm in NHS breast cancer service
At least 12 patients have been harmed, with potentially more cases yet to be uncovered, as an ongoing investigation into breast cancer care at an NHS Trust reveals its initial findings.
County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust previously admitted it had carried out “more extensive surgery than was clinically necessary” in some cases, and said a review was underway by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS).
It has now been revealed that 12 women have been contacted regarding failings in their care which has seen them come to harm. At least 60 more cases are subject to investigation, and more women have since come forward.
The RCS report revealed cases where cancers were missed, mastectomies may not have been necessary, incidents of chemotherapy not being offered, and surgery being carried out to remove lymph nodes when not clinically necessary.
More than 200 cases have been identified so far, but the Trust said it could include thousands of cases – and even potentially some deaths - dating back to 2019 at the University Hospital of North Durham and Darlington Memorial Hospital.
A further 95 patients have come forward after a helpline was set up, highlighting the vast scale of the investigation.
Law firm Slater and Gordon supports patients and families across the country who have suffered as a result of poor standards of care.
“This is a truly shocking situation. Cancer is terrible disease that touches so many families, and it is absolutely vital that cancers are not needlessly missed and that those who have received a diagnosis receive proper care,” says John Lowther, senior associate at Slater and Gordon in Newcastle.
“It is appalling to think that women are coming to harm even after a diagnosis, during a particularly vulnerable time for them, when they are already dealing with trauma.
“We know there are at least 12 women who have suffered failings which have resulted in harm, but with the vast numbers of cases already involved in this investigation, there may well be more. Women who have been treated at the University Hospital of North Durham and Darlington Memorial Hospital will understandably be deeply concerned and shocked by what we are learning from this ongoing review.
“For anyone with concerns over the treatment they have received, we would urge them to come forward and seek specialist advice and support.”
For anyone who has concerns over care they received at the breast cancer service at University Hospital of North Durham or Darlington Memorial Hospital, Slater and Gordon can help. Call us on 0330 995 6823 or contact us online.
