The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust admits at least 20 women had unnecessary mastectomies amid broader failings in its breast service. An internal review (Jan 2023–Feb 2025) found 315 patients harmed, 77 significantly, and may be extended back to 2015 to cover up to 10,000 cases. Dr Amir Bhatti, the former breast services lead, has been suspended and remains on full pay while police and the National Crime Agency investigate. Dozens of patients report severe distress and inadequate explanations.
NHS Trust Admits At Least 20 Unnecessary Mastectomies as Wider Failings Are Probed
Denise Howarth had an unnecessary mastectomy after being diagnosed with grade one cancer in 2023 - BBC
The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) has admitted that at least 20 women treated for breast cancer underwent unnecessary mastectomies, part of a wider pattern of failings uncovered in the trust's breast service.
An internal review covering care delivered between January 2023 and February 2025 has identified 315 patients harmed, 77 of whom suffered significant harm. The trust has said it may broaden the review to examine up to 10,000 cases dating back to 2015 to ensure there are no further missed problems.
Amir Bhatti has been suspended from carrying out clinical practice
Dr Amir Bhatti, who served as the trust's clinical lead for breast services from 2013 to 2024, has been suspended from clinical practice and remains employed by the trust on full pay while the investigation continues. Last year it emerged that the trust paid nearly £6 million to private clinics and surgical companies run by Dr Bhatti, prompting concerns about an unmanaged conflict of interest; the trust says it has ended those arrangements.
Patients Describe Severe Distress
Several women told the BBC they feel abandoned and traumatised. Denise Howarth, 51, from Consett, was diagnosed with grade one cancer in 2023 and initially had a lumpectomy before a later full mastectomy and eight rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In September she was told she was among patients who may have been harmed and was informed that, in some cases, only removal of the lump might have been required.
As well as a mastectomy, Denise Howarth underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
"I was just in shock," Ms Howarth said. "An apology doesn't give me the answers I need, it can't give me my breasts back. What's done is done."
Another patient, Pam Brown, underwent a necessary mastectomy in 2022 but says the scarring was so severe she can no longer look at her body. She described feeling "butchered." A former breast surgeon who reviewed images of her scarring said the results were "not acceptable at all."
Investigation And Criminal Inquiries
The trust's chief executive, Steve Russell (appointed 2025), apologised "unreservedly" for the harm and said the findings were "utterly unacceptable," but he said the trust does not yet know why the unnecessary procedures took place. The National Crime Agency is working with Durham Constabulary to determine whether any criminal offences were committed.
Pam Brown describes feeling 'butchered' by her mastectomy - BBC
CDDFT has set up a helpline that more than 640 patients have contacted. Many affected women have received formal apologies but still lack clear explanations about why unnecessary treatments happened or which clinicians provided them.
Dr Bhatti issued a short statement saying he is "grateful for the opportunity to respond" but that it would be inappropriate to comment while the trust's investigation is ongoing. CDDFT declined further comment when approached.
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