NHS trust in England to decide future of breast care review

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust has apologised again to patients and families harmed by failings in its breast services, ahead of a board decision on the future scope and timeframe of its review of past care.

“There were opportunities when, as a Trust, we should have listened more carefully, asked more questions and acted sooner,” the trust said in a statement, adding that it remained “deeply sorry” to those affected.

The trust added: “We cannot change what happened, but we have a responsibility to be open about it, support those affected and make sure what we learn leads to lasting change.”

The trust issued the statement ahead of a BBC programme about its breast services, scheduled for broadcast on 18 September, which it said included interviews with chief executive Steve Russell and chief nurse Gill Hunt.

It said the programme, and the wider discussion around breast services, could cause further distress to patients and families.

An independent clinical review of past cases, known as the breast services look-back, was continuing, the trust said, and patients found to have care concerns would be contacted directly to be told what had been found, what it meant for them and what further support or clinical care might be needed.

The trust said it had been meeting directly with many of the women affected, to listen to their experiences, answer their questions and understand the impact on them and their families.

An extraordinary board meeting would be held on 24 September to weigh the evidence, the options available and a recommendation on the future scope and timeframe of the look-back, the trust said, adding that no final decision had yet been made.

The trust said changes already made to the service, including two new specialist oncoplastic consultant breast surgeons and a multidisciplinary approach in which patients are discussed by a full team of specialists, had improved outcomes for patients.

Mastectomy rates had fallen to the national average and rates of immediate breast reconstruction had tripled, it said.

Patients with concerns about their breast care could contact a dedicated support line on 0191 333 2126 or by email at [email protected], the trust said.

Correction, 20 September 2026: An earlier headline said the trust may widen its review. The trust said only that its board would consider the review’s future scope and timeframe, and that no final decision had been made.