Women subject to surgery that was not ‘clinically necessary’ after breast cancer

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust launched a review into its service in February, looking into the care of patients who had surgery through the breast service in 2024.

So far it has reviewed 123 cases of care, and said it has spoken to 80 patients about what could have been done differently. The review is ongoing, with more cases potentially yet to be uncovered.

The review was commissioned in response to concerns around its breast care, and the Royal College of Surgeons was appointed to conduct an independent investigation.

From what has already been uncovered, the Trust – which manages Darlington Memorial Hospital and the University Hospital of North Durham - said it is “truly sorry”.

It said areas of improvement have also been identified, including how surgical decisions are made and addressing some outdated practices that are still in use.

The report to date said the Trust had high rates of mastectomy and low rates for breast reconstruction. It also noted that some procedures were carried out for cosmetic reasons were not funded by the NHS, and which have since been stopped.

Slater and Gordon supports patients and their families who have suffered as a result of poor standards of care and medical negligence.

“This is an absolutely alarming situation whereby this NHS Trust has admitted that surgery has been carried out that was not clinically necessary – that is a really shocking scenario, and one which will of course cause fear and concern amongst women who have undergone breast care at these two hospitals,” says John Lowther, senior associate at Slater and Gordon in Newcastle.

“While the Trust does deserve some credit for its openness and admission of unnecessary surgery, there are many questions for them to answer. There are at least 80 women and their families who will be hugely concerned about what has happened to them and whether the care they received was appropriate.

“For anyone with concerns, we would urge them to get in touch and seek support from our team of specialists in establishing the facts around the care they received from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.”