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Breast surgery at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Trust

If you received breast surgery care at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Trust and have concerns about your treatment, you may be entitled to make a medical negligence claim. Our specialist group actions team is here to assess your case for free, with no obligation.

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Author

Christian Beadell

Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence

Last Updated

16th July 2026

Can I make a medical negligence claim?

You may be able to make a claim if you were treated at the breast clinic within Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Trust and your care fell below the standard you should have received. This includes treatment related to breast cancer surgery such as specifically mastectomy, resection, and tumour removal. (lumpectomy).

We are investigating the management of patients treated at the breast clinic within the Trust. We are aware that at least 40 patients have been subject to an Invited Clinical Record Review conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons, an independent body asked to review and advise on the care provided. That review, carried out in May 2022, has highlighted potential concerns about the care some patients received.

Concerns revolve around one particular surgeon who has not yet been named publicly. It is known that the surgeon had been treating patients for many years, and that concerns were first raised by a patient as far back as 2015. If you are unsure whether it was your surgeon or if your situation qualifies, it is still worth speaking to us.

Example of a breast surgery negligence claim

Imagine a patient who underwent a mastectomy at the Trust without receiving a full discussion of the risks, alternatives, or likely outcomes before surgery. If it later emerged that the surgeon had not carried out essential biopsy investigations, or that the procedure was not clinically justified, this could form the basis of a valid medical negligence claim.

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What compensation can help with

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Supporting your recovery and securing your financial future.

Making a claim is not only about receiving financial compensation for what should not have happened. It is also a way to ensure that the same poor outcomes do not happen to others, and to get answers about what went wrong in your care.

Compensation in a breast surgery negligence case can help:

  • Access crucial support
  • Cover further treatment options
  • Provide financial security for the future
  • Cover loss of earnings

 

A successful medical negligence claim following breast surgery at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Trust may help fund corrective surgery or further medical treatment, as well as psychological support and counselling. It can also cover rehabilitation and ongoing therapy or loss of earnings, both current and future. In addition, compensation may contribute towards care and support costs or travel and transport costs related to your recovery, along with any other out-of-pocket expenses arising from your treatment.

What compensation can provide

Compensation for breast surgery negligence depends on your personal experience, including the harm caused, whether further treatment was needed, and how it has affected your life. This is an ongoing group action, so more details on case outcomes will be released as they are available.

Understanding interim payments

If your case is strong and your needs are urgent, it may be possible to secure an interim payment before your claim is fully resolved. This can help cover the cost of treatment, rehabilitation, or other immediate expenses while your case is ongoing. You should not have to wait until the end of your claim to access the support you need.

Why choose Fletchers for your group action claim?

Medical negligence claims arising from breast surgery are complex, and group actions even more so. Having the right team behind you with the experience, and specialist knowledge to manage a large group of claimants, makes a real difference. At Fletchers, our group actions team has the expertise and resources to handle these cases effectively, while making sure every individual client feels supported.

Expertise you can rely on

  • Dedicated group actions team with the infrastructure to support large numbers of claimants
  • Specialist solicitors with expertise in complex medical negligence cases
  • Members of the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel
  • Recognised in leading legal directories including Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500
  • Sensitive, compassionate support for patients navigating unexpected complications after surgery

You're not alone

We know it feels difficult to question the care you received

Many people feel uncertain about or even reluctant to take legal action. You may be worried about the process, unsure whether what happened to you was truly negligence, or simply exhausted from everything you have already been through. Those feelings are completely understandable.

What we see time and again is that patients were not given the full picture before they agreed to surgery. They were not told about the risks, the alternatives, or what recovery might look like. Some did not have the investigations they needed before a treatment plan was decided. If any of this resonates with you, it is worth having a conversation with us.

Taking legal action is also about more than your own case. Group actions have the power to hold institutions accountable and help prevent the same failures from affecting other patients in the future. By coming forward, you become part of something larger, a collective effort to ensure better standards of care.

We are here to listen, to explain your options clearly, and to take on the hard work on your behalf. From your first call with us, our focus is on making things feel clearer and more manageable – not more complicated.

FAQs about Barking & Redbridge Trust claims

How do I know if I have a valid claim?

If you were treated at the breast clinic within Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Trust and you have concerns about the care you received, whether about how surgery was recommended and carried out, or investigations that were not done, it is always worth speaking to us. We will carry out a free case assessment and tell you honestly whether we think you have a valid claim. You do not need to have all the answers before you get in touch.

What is a group action and how does it work?

A group action, sometimes called a group litigation order (GLO), allows a number of people affected by the same or similar circumstances to bring their claims together. This can be more efficient than each person pursuing an individual claim, and means that evidence and key legal arguments can be shared across the group.

When you contact us, we will carry out a free case assessment, identify whether you have a legitimate claim, and begin an investigation. We will collect evidence and work out who is responsible. We can also assess your injuries and, where possible, apply efficiencies that benefit everyone in the group action.

We will then negotiate with the defendant Trust to try to reach a fair settlement, and arrange for compensation to be paid once an agreement is reached.

How long does a medical negligence group action take?

Group actions can be more complex than individual claims, and timescales vary depending on the number of claimants, the nature of the evidence, and whether the case settles or proceeds to court. We will keep you updated at every stage so you always know where things stand and what to expect next.

What evidence will I need?

We will help you gather the evidence needed to support your claim. This typically includes your medical records from the Trust, details of the treatment you received, and information about the impact your experience has had on you. You do not need to have everything ready before you speak to us, we will guide you through what is needed.

How long do I have to make a claim?

In most medical negligence cases, you have three years from the date of the negligence, or from the date you became aware that negligence may have caused your injury, to make a claim. There are exceptions to this rule like, in cases involving children or those who lack mental capacity. If you are unsure whether you are still within the time limit, speak to us as soon as possible and we will advise you.

Is there any financial risk to me?

No. We handle all medical negligence group action claims on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means that if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have anything to pay. We will explain the funding arrangement clearly before you commit to anything, so you can make a confident, informed decision.

What support will I receive during my claim?

From your first contact with us, you will have access to a specialist team who will keep you informed at every stage. We understand that this process can feel daunting, and we are committed to making sure you always know what is happening and what comes next. If you need to access medical treatment, rehabilitation, or other support during your claim, we will help you explore your options.

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