Trust orders review into breast cancer services

A North East trust has begun a full review of its breast cancer services after finding unexplained variation in its surgical practices.

County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust said feedback from national audits and external reviews suggested its approach to surgery may differ from that seen elsewhere in the NHS.

In a statement, CDDFT said the audit findings did not necessarily mean breast cancer surgery carried out at the trust was unsafe, however, “we felt it was important to take a closer look to ensure we are delivering the highest quality care”.

The trust said it does not yet know how many patients would see their care covered by the review, and refused to say what time period it would cover.

The review includes input from internal teams and external experts, including a review by the Royal College of Surgeons. The trust has also commissioned an external review of governance to ensure a “fair, balanced, and independent perspective”.  

A new clinical lead has been appointed for the service, and two new consultants hired to address “capacity challenges”. Other steps include strengthening the role played by multidisciplinary teams through stronger coordination and clinical governance, as well as “maintaining close oversight at senior clinical and executive levels”.

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Source: HSJ, 17 April 2025