High repeat surgery rates under review at five trusts

At least five trusts are reviewing their rates of repeat breast cancer surgery after recording levels significantly above the maximum expected level, HSJ has learned.

Their high rates were identified in this year’s National Cancer Audit, published last month.

While these can be caused by multiple and complex factors – and there is no suggestion at this stage of avoidable patient harm – the metric is a significant patient safety marker.

For example, it was a factor in triggering the high-profile breast cancer care investigation which uncovered significant patient harm at County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust. A review of up to 4,500 cases continues.

HSJ contacted trusts which recorded rates more than 5 per cent above the maximum level expected by NATCAN auditors.

Airedale Foundation Trust, Buckinghamshire Health FT, Royal Berkshire FT, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals FT and Torbay and South Devon FT all recorded rates that were more than 5% above the maximum level expected by National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NATCAN) auditors, who examined the period between January 2021 and December 2023.

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Source: HSJ, 7 October 2026