A recent BBC investigation has revealed significant concerns about the standard of breast cancer care provided by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT). According to the findings, more than 200 patients are believed to have come to harm, with 43 cases reportedly involving substantial injury. Issues highlighted include delays in diagnosis, the use of outdated testing methods, high numbers of repeat operations, and treatment options that did not always align with national best practice.
An independent review published this week found that long-standing warnings about the service were not acted upon, allowing unsafe practices to continue for many years. Reports from patients described experiences of rushed procedures, inadequate explanations and a lack of dignity during treatment. Some women were advised to undergo extensive surgery without being offered alternatives, while others spoke of long and distressing waits for results. Concerns were also raised about clinics run on a private-clinic basis but funded by the Trust, with investigators questioning whether the structure created clinical and financial conflicts of interest.
The Trust has apologised to women and families who were affected and acknowledged failures in leadership, oversight and responsiveness to concerns raised over more than a decade. NHS England has confirmed that new leadership is in place and that work is ongoing to improve safety, culture and governance within the service. A full review of almost 1,600 patient records is now underway.
How Macks Solicitors Can Help
If you are concerned about delays, decisions or treatment you received as part of breast cancer care, whether at this Trust or elsewhere, Macks Solicitors’ specialist clinical negligence team can offer clear, confidential advice on whether your experience may give rise to a legal claim and what steps you can take next.
Contact Us
For more information about making a claim, you can call us on 01642 843 667; alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our solicitors will be in touch.
