Overview
- An independent review concluded the County Durham and Darlington breast service had systemic failings over at least a decade, including missed cancers and unnecessary surgeries.
- The trust has publicly apologized, says the service is being rebuilt to national guidelines, and urges current patients to keep appointments while investigations proceed.
- Slater and Gordon reports a growing client cohort and is offering free advice sessions, with an online clinic on December 4 and an in‑person clinic on December 12 at Alington House in Durham.
- A Darlington woman, Elizabeth Griffiths, says missed diagnoses left her with stage four cancer; the trust called her experience unacceptable and invited direct contact to respond personally.
- Executives outlined reforms at a recent board meeting, with external assurance in place, as hundreds of cases linked to the service remain under review without a stated completion date.