Nikki Yavari

The women, along with hundreds of other patients, were injured whilst undergoing treatment at the trust’s breast clinic.

Serious failings at the CDDFT were reported to the BBC last year, and an apology was issued just this year from its recently appointed chief executive, Steve Russell.  He apologised ‘unreservedly’ for the harm caused and said “There are no words I could use to convey how personally distressed I am. What happened was utterly unacceptable.”

The apology is unlikely to appease dozens of women and their families who have raised concerns about treatment given by CDDFT, including:

• The trust carrying out a high number of mastectomies compared with other NHS trusts.
• Operations being carried out too quickly.
• Some treatments being outsourced to private clinics – described as ‘a clear conflict of interest’ by an independent expert.

Hugh Phipps

Hugh Phipps, solicitor in Graysons clinical negligence department says:

“It is likely that there will be grounds for clinical negligence claims following this failure relating to the poor and incorrect treatment, and also to the consequences of the failures.

“Compensation could be considered not just for the unnecessary procedures, but also scarring and disfigurement, resulting psychological issues and trauma, the consequential effects of these actions on any ongoing cancer treatment and any other losses that have been sustained.” 

The full scope of the issues is yet to be uncovered, and the trust is now carrying out an internal review of breast cancer cases between January 2023 and February 2025, alongside cases of patients who have contacted the trust since the announcement via a dedicated helpline. The trust is also considering expanding the review to look at cases dating back to 2015, which could run to up to 10,000 cases.

Nikki Yavari, partner and head of Graysons’ clinical negligence department, says:

“Patients have described how shocked and traumatised they have been by these revelations. These patients put their trust and faith in their clinicians and have sadly once again been let down”.

“These issues are incredibly disheartening and highlight the immense impact that such failures can have on individuals and their families. Unfortunately, it is clear that this is not the end of the revelations and there are more to come.”

If you have been affected by these errors, or you are concerned about any issues relating to treatment you have undergone, contact our clinical negligence experts now.

Our lawyers have extensive experience in supporting individuals through claims relating to breast cancer, mastectomies, scarring and psychological injuries. We will offer you a first interview free of charge in which we can assess your case and, if we can take it on, we will offer you a no-win, no-fee arrangement.

Authors: Nikki Yavari and Hugh Phipps