County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust Breast Services Review: How We’re Supporting Affected Patients

It has recently come to light that breast surgery and breast cancer patients may now be receiving Patient Recall notices from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT). This comes after the Trust announced a full review of its breast services following feedback from national clinical audit programmes and external reviewers. The Trust has recognised that some aspects of its breast screening and surgical services “require investigation” and has pledged to carry out a thorough, patient-centred review to ensure the highest standards of care.

HAVE YOU RECEIVED A PATIENT RECALL? CLICK HERE FOR SUPPORT 

At Fletchers Solicitors, our specialist medical negligence team is currently investigating claims on behalf of patients who may have been affected. We are committed to supporting individuals who have concerns about their breast cancer screening, diagnosis, or treatment at the Trust – and we are currently working with a number of individuals who are concerned about the care they received under the North East Trust.

Fletchers Solicitors: Here to Help

We have a number of clients who may not have received the appropriate treatment. One example includes a woman who has been told by the trust that her breast cancer was not appropriately treated and she has had unnecessary surgery.

Francesca Paul, Partner in our Group Action Medical Negligence Team, said:

“We understand that news of this review may be worrying for patients who have received breast care at County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust. We encourage anyone who has concerns to speak with the Trust directly to understand whether any additional treatment, monitoring, or information may be required. In the meantime, our specialist team is investigating claims on behalf of patients who may have been affected. We are here to provide legal support to anyone impacted by this review and will continue to offer advice and assistance as our investigations progress.”

Our North East Team

Fletchers Solicitors has a nationwide coverage of legal specialist, including a regional team based in our Newcastle office. We’re able to support you locally, and are happy to discuss your situation with you to offer guidance as to your legal options. We understand that receiving news related to your the healthcare you have received might feel alarming and frightening. We are here to support you and to help you navigate this difficult situation.

Background to the Review

The Trust’s review was triggered after routine external audits highlighted variations in practice, particularly around surgical decision-making processes. Although no single incident prompted the investigation, the feedback suggested that some practices may differ from national standards.

As part of its response:

• There has been almost 200 cases identified as of July 2025 following this review. 
• The Trust engaged the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) to review an initial 30 selected cases, including missed oncoplastic surgeries, potentially over-aggressive treatments, and breast cancer radiology cases. The RCS has produced a report which suggests that cancers were missed, mastectomies that may not have been necessary, incidents of chemotherapy not being offered and surgery undertaken to remove lymph nodes when not clinically necessary.
• The GIRFT (Getting It Right First Time) report has identified areas for operational and clinical quality improvements, which the Trust plans to implement through a detailed action plan.
• The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is also involved and considering next steps.

The review will assess whether any patients have experienced harm and whether additional treatment, monitoring, or support may be necessary. If concerns are identified in individual cases, the Trust has committed to contacting patients directly in line with its Duty of Candour obligations.

In the meantime, the Trust has made several changes to stabilise and strengthen its breast services, including recruiting new consultant breast surgeons, appointing a new clinical lead, and enhancing multidisciplinary team coordination.

Patient Safety and Transparency

Kathryn Burn, Executive Director of Nursing at CDDFT, emphasised the Trust’s commitment to openness and patient support throughout this process:

“We are committed to openness and transparency with our patients and local communities. Patient safety is always our top priority. This review is an important step in making sure we continually learn and improve.”

The Trust has set up a dedicated helpline and email address for patients who have concerns about their care:

• Email: [email protected]
• Information and Support Line: 0191 333 2126

Patients who have undergone breast surgery or screening at the Trust and have not been contacted are reassured that no concerns have been identified about their care at this stage. However, anyone worried about their treatment is encouraged to reach out via the support line.

What Should You Do If You Are Concerned?

If you or a loved one received breast cancer screening, surgery, or treatment at County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust and are concerned about your care, you should:

1. Contact the Trust’s helpline or email for immediate support and information.
2. Keep a record of any communications or documents relating to your treatment.
3. Speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor for advice about your legal rights and options.

At Fletchers Solicitors, we are proud to stand alongside patients during what can be an incredibly difficult and emotional time. Our dedicated team has extensive experience helping those affected by failures in breast cancer care, and we are here to help you seek answers and justice.

To speak to one of our expert solicitors in confidence, please contact us today. You can also email Francesca directly on [email protected]