Free legal advice for women impacted by breast cancer service failings

An investigation is underway into breast cancer care delivered by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, which includes breast cancer care failing cases dating back to 2019.

These include allegations of cancers being missed, mastectomies and other surgeries that may not have been necessary, and chemotherapy not being offered. A number of patient deaths are also being investigated.

While at least 200 patients at the University Hospital of North Durham and Darlington Memorial Hospital are thought to be affected – with at least 12 women so far found to have suffered harm – the investigation is ongoing and could potentially include thousands of women.

The Trust said that while women who are involved will be contacted, there are no timescales for how long the investigation will last – which could mean that some patients may face a significant wait to get any clarity on their situation.

In response to a surge of enquiries from women across County Durham, law firm Slater and Gordon, a leading name in medical negligence, is holding a free legal clinic, where anyone with concerns about the care themselves or a loved one received can learn more about their rights and how to secure the answers they need.

The clinic will be held on Tuesday, September 30, in Alington House Community Association in Durham, near to Durham Cathedral. A team of specialists from Slater and Gordon’s North East office will be on-hand to give advice and guidance.

“The investigation into this breast cancer care service has, of course, caused significant concern in the region, and this has been reflected in the levels of enquiries we have already received,” says Chloe Gibson, a specialist medical negligence solicitor at Slater and Gordon.

“These women have been through such an ordeal in dealing with the devastation of a cancer diagnosis – to have suffered from failings in care adds further to the huge trauma they have already experienced. The fact the Trust has admitted it has concerns about the care it has delivered, and quickly launched an inquiry, may confirm many women’s suspicions that the poor care they received warrants further investigation.

“We would urge anyone with concerns to come and speak to us. Whether it is women themselves, or their loved ones on their behalf, it is really important they clarify their legal position and establish how best to secure the answers they need.”

Slater and Gordon’s free legal clinic, for any women or families affected by breast cancer care failings at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, will be held on Tuesday, September 30, from 10am to 3pm, at Alington House Community Association, North Bailey, Durham, DH1 3ET.

For more information, or to book an appointment, contact Dominic Smith on dominic.smith@slatergordon.uk