Twenty women had their breasts removed unnecessarily while being treated for breast cancer, an NHS trust has said.

A review of cases has found that hundreds of patients suffered harm during treatment in the breast unit at the County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT), with some even suffering ‘excessive surgery’.

The trust, which has been the subject of a BBC investigation, said it is currently reviewing breast cancer cases between January 2023 and February 2025.

Alongside this, a total of 640 former patients have contacted a dedicated helpline.

Out of 539 cases from September 2, 59 have resulted in moderate harm, 19 in severe harm and one patient has died. A further 242 cases have resulted in ‘minor harm’.

In total, 38 cases have involved treatment not aligned to best practice, including not offering women immediate breast reconstruction, unnecessary ‘benign’ surgery and ‘outdated practice that has resulted in harm’.

From this, 32 cases involved ‘excessive surgery, such as mastectomy’, with the Trust telling PA that the number of unnecessary mastectomies within this is 20.

The admission comes after the BBC previously reported concerns about serious failings at the breast unit.

Denise Howarth, 51, of Consett, County Durham, was diagnosed with stage one cancer in her left breast in February 2023.

She had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed, but at a follow-up review was told she still needed a mastectomy.

Ms Howarth, a mother of two being represented by Hudgell Solicitors, underwent the mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiology treatment.

In September last year, she was contacted by CDDFT and told the mastectomy had not been needed.

‘They called me at home to say I needn’t have had my breast removed and it was something which really knocked me off my feet, I was completely shocked,’ she said.

‘I’d had an awful year already as I’d lost two close relatives and my dad was really poorly, so I’d never really had much time after my mastectomy to think of myself and my recovery.

‘I’d just reached a point where I was beginning to focus on myself and to look forward, and then this news came like a bolt out of the blue.

‘You put your trust in professional people. To be so badly let down is something I’ll never be able to come to terms with.’

Asked about the trust’s response, Ms Howarth said: ‘An apology is not enough. This is life-changing.

‘I’ve lost so much confidence. I feel robbed of the person I was before. As a woman, losing a breast has a huge impact on you. I fear I will never be the same person again, although I have tried to be strong.’

The trust’s new chief executive, Steve Russell, has apologised ‘unreservedly’ to patients and their families.

He said: ‘We are deeply sorry to the women and families who have been harmed and let down by failings in our breast services.

‘We recognise the profound impact this has had and have been clear that there were opportunities when, as a trust, we should have listened more carefully and acted sooner.

‘Significant changes have since been made to the breast service and are bringing improvements for patients.

‘Alongside this, the look-back continues to review past care, identify patients who may have experienced harm and make sure they receive appropriate information and support.’

A board meeting of the trust next week will decide whether the review should be extended to review thousands more cases dating back to 2015.

The trust has confirmed to PA that a consultant, Amir Bhatti, was CDDFT’s clinical lead for breast services from 2013 to 2024.

Last year, the BBC reported that nearly £6 million had been paid by the trust over six years to breast cancer diagnostic clinics and surgery companies run privately by Mr Bhatti.

Concern about this arrangement was raised in a 2025 external review into the running of the trust, carried out by governance specialist Mary Aubrey.

Rachel O’Connor, part of the medical negligence team at Hudgell Solicitors, is calling for a public inquiry.

She said: ‘We are currently advising a number of women who have had surgeries they have since been told were not needed.

‘Breast cancer services at hospitals should be places where patients have the reassurance of exceptional care and support, from clinics and scans to surgeries and treatments.

‘Sadly, at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, this has not been the case for many years, as deep-rooted, systematic failures have led to women suffering serious harm.’

Catriona Dunbar, 41, of Stanley, County Durham, was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2023 and has been interviewed by police about her experiences at the trust.

In a letter to her, the trust’s deputy chief executive, Kelly Angus, has apologised for the ‘significant distress and upset’ caused to her during her treatment.

Ms Dunbar, who is represented by Hudgell Solicitors, said: ‘The letter is full of apologies but there is no accountability. It says things shouldn’t have happened, but there are no admissions as to why, or as to who was at fault, so in some ways it’s made me angrier, because accountability is what we need here.

‘Nobody is doing the right thing and taking ownership for what has happened to so many women.’

In a statement to the BBC, Mr Bhatti said: ‘I am grateful for the opportunity to respond, but I remain committed to the ongoing trust investigation, and it would be inappropriate for me to discuss this whilst proceedings are ongoing.’

The National Crime Agency is also working with Durham Police to investigate allegations made by former patients and establish whether any criminal offences took place.

A dedicated support line remains available to anyone with concerns about their breast care on 0191 333 2126 or at cddft.breastservices@nhs.net.

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