The Newshound

'I feel robbed': NHS trust admits 20 women had needless mastectomies as files of UP TO 10,000 patients could be reopened

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Denise Howarth, who had a mastectomy after a 2023 diagnosis and was later told the operation was unnecessary, is among 20 women affected as a criminal investigation is launched.
Denise Howarth, who had a mastectomy after a 2023 diagnosis and was later told the operation was unnecessary, is among 20 women affected as a criminal investigation is launched.

County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust has admitted 20 women underwent unnecessary mastectomies, with 315 of 514 cases reviewed found to have caused harm, including 77 cases of significant harm and one known death. Suspended consultant surgeon Amir Bhatti faces an internal investigation, while the National Crime Agency is working with Durham Police to determine whether criminal offences took place. New chief executive Steve Russell apologised 'unreservedly', saying what happened was 'utterly unacceptable'.

Denise Howarth, 51, of Consett, learned a year after her mastectomy that the operation had been entirely unnecessary.

The trust's board convenes next week to vote on whether the review should be broadened to cover up to 10,000 cases going back to 2015.

Victims described being 'butchered' and 'mutilated' by surgeons at the trust's 'dysfunctional' breast cancer unit.

MoreDaily Mail NewsTwenty women had mastectomies they didn't need while being treated for breast cancer and hundreds suffered harm, NHS trust admitsDaily MailMedical files of up to 10,000 patients could be reopened amid probe into NHS breast cancer scandal that left 20 women with mastectomies they didn't needEvening Standard20 women unnecessarily had breasts removed and others suffered serious harm
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