A new review commissioned by independent governance advisor Mary Aubrey has announced that there have been ‘clinical failures in the Breast Surgery Service’ at County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust.

The review has identified “weaknesses in leadership, clinical governance, organisational culture and contract management over many years” leading to cancers being missed and many women receiving surgery more extensive than was medically necessary. This included the removal of lymph nodes and mastectomies.

The BBC have identified that nearly £6million has been paid out by the trust to clinics that were run privately by their own breast cancer surgeon.

Over 200 cases have been identified of patients who have suffered due to the trust’s treatment, leading to the medical records of 1,6000 patients being examined.

This follows a separate review that took place in July 2025 by the Royal College of Surgeons after concerns were raised.

The women that underwent treatment at County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust have told the BBC that they felt ‘butchered’ after the treatment they received, and that the unnecessary delays they experienced in both diagnosis and treatment lead to the experience feeling significantly more stressful and upsetting.

Alongside the failings in both diagnosis and treatment, many women have described their experience as having a lack of compassion, and that it took their dignity from them.

The trust’s board have put an ‘action plan’ in place in response to these reviews. They have confirmed that they will look at strengthening leadership and accountability. Trust Chief Executive Steve Russell has apologised to the affected patients, saying “you put your trust in us and in some cases that trust was not met. We didn’t offer the high quality care you needed and deserved.”

Our Medical Negligence team hear regularly from individuals and families who have been affected by sup-par cancer treatment.

Whilst we recognise the current pressures faced by NHS staff, the issues raised in these reviews can lead to avoidable harm, including:

• Unnecessary or extensive surgery

• Failure to perform timely procedures

• Delay in treatment leading to permanent injury or even death.