Specialist Medical Negligence Lawyers’ Concern After Aubrey Report Findings Published

Expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have called for patients to be fully supported after it emerged more than 200 breast cancer cases are being investigated at County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT).

Of the cases under review, 43 are reported to involve significant harm, while one death is also being examined, reports the BBC. 

Durham and Darlington hospitals breast cancer review published

It comes after a report an independent review into the running of CDDFT - which runs University Hospital North Durham and Darlington War Memorial Hospital - was published this week. The Aubrey report, carried out by independent governance expert Mary Aubrey, found “persistent concerns” had been raised about the breast cancer service since 2012. Patients were exposed to potential harm because of missed or delayed diagnoses, unnecessary operations and communication issues. 

Leading medical negligence law firm Irwin Mitchell says while it’s vital lessons are learned to improve patient safety, those affected by poor care and those with concerns now need to be fully supported so they can get “the answers they deserve.” 

Samuel Hill, is an expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office.

Expert Opinion

"This situation is extremely worrying. While it has been reported that 200 cases of patients being affected by issues in the breast cancer service have been identified, this could be the tip of the iceberg.

“Through our work supporting those affected by large-scale care failings we often see how such reviews are expanded to investigate further cases. That the issues within CDDT’s breast cancer service were seemingly allowed to manifest themselves for a decade, many hundreds, if not thousands could be affected.

“Substandard care should never be downplayed as it can have devastating and life-long consequences for patients. It’s vital that those affected are supported so they can be provided not only with the answers they deserve about their particular care, but where appropriate, access to any follow-up treatment and support they may require.

“In the meantime, it’s important that there’s not a loss of confidence in breast cancer and screening services. People should continue to participate in screening programmes or seek medical advice as soon as possible if they’re concerned they may have cancer as early detection and treatment saves lives.” Samuel Hill

Breast cancer services: What the Aubrey report found

The Aubrey report identified a series of serious shortcomings, including:
• The Trust used outdated practices that did not meet current guidance meaning cancers were missed or patients suffered a delay in diagnosis.
• There was a high rate of repeat surgeries – known as re-excision procedures - and a low rate of immediate breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.
• Concerns that some operations were performed too quickly.
• The outsourcing of patient appointments, which the report said created conflicts of interest and posed risks to maintaining clinical standards.

The review revealed that despite repeated warnings and evidence been raised since 2012, the Trust failed to take action, allowing unsafe and outdated practices to continue.

In response, CDDFT apologised to “women and their families who have been harmed because of our substandard care”. It acknowledged that “warning signs were repeatedly missed or ignored over many years”.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting patients and families affected by failings in breast cancer care at our dedicated breast cancer claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.