Denise Howarth gripped her phone in disbelief as a hospital representative delivered devastating news about her medical history.
The 51-year-old resident of County Durham learned that her 2023 mastectomy, which caused lasting physical and emotional distress, had actually been completely unnecessary.
"I was just in shock, I ended up in tears on the phone," Denise stated. "I said, I can't believe what you're saying."
While hospital staff offered sincere apologies, Denise noted that words failed to restore her body.
"It's all good and well, getting an apology," Denise remarked. "It can't give me my breast back."
This situation was far from unique. The County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust initiated a probe in 2025 into breast cancer treatments, uncovering 315 harmed patients based on findings from a BBC investigation.
Victims share their experiences in Breast Cancer Scandal: Exposing the Harm, a BBC Local Investigations documentary detailing severe issues at Trust facilities.
The documentary outlines excessive treatments, surgical errors, and undetected cancers, alongside one confirmed fatality with no further details provided.
According to the broadcast, 20 patients endured mastectomies they did not need. Oversight of Denise and other patients fell to consultant surgeon and clinical lead Mr Amir Bhatti.
An independent report indicated that private firms owned by Mr Bhatti, including Cathedral Surgical Services, performed numerous procedures such as mastectomies.
The review noted that these companies operated under individual patient payment agreements with the Trust, creating a direct financial incentive.
Over a span of six years, the Trust disbursed £6 million to private diagnostic clinics and surgical businesses operated by Mr Bhatti.
Mr Bhatti currently faces a suspension from treating patients while the Trust investigation proceeds.
The National Crime Agency and local police are examining the case for potential criminal activity, while the Trust described the failures as completely unacceptable.
Denise discovered an unusual breast change in 2023 and received a Grade 1 cancer diagnosis following tests.
"It was a shock, my sister was there to support me, we cuddled and hugged," Denise remembered.
Mr Bhatti managed her care plan, which involved removing the lump and surrounding lymph nodes.
Following the initial operation, hospital staff recalled Denise and informed her that a second procedure was required to remove the entire breast.
Staff framed the update quickly, telling her that extra clinics allowed for a fast appointment the following Saturday.
"So the bad news is, you need to have a mastectomy, but the good news is, we've got extra clinics on and we can do it for you really quickly. We can get you in next Saturday," Denise told BBC North East health correspondent Sharon Barbour.
"I was shocked and hurt and upset but I thought, I've got to do it.
"If it means being here and for my children, one hundred per cent I put my trust, my faith into the NHS."
After receiving a prosthetic following the surgery, September 2025 brought the phone call revealing the procedure was pointless.
Pam Brown, a retired nursery manager, also had care under Mr Bhatti and received an NHS-funded mastectomy at a private hospital in 2022.
Pam believes the surgery was necessary but poorly executed, leaving her in ongoing pain four years later.
"I had all of these horrible lumps and bumps and indentations, it was horrible, it was so upsetting," she stated. "I feel as if I've been butchered, that's how I feel.
"I don't see myself in the mirror. Nobody sees me, not even my husband."
Another interviewee, using the pseudonym Jo, worked for the Trust for many years in the NHS sector.
In 2020, medical staff informed her that multiple tumours required a complete mastectomy.
Mr Bhatti managed her care according to the BBC, though the identity of the specific surgeon remains unverified.
"You just come home and think, it's everywhere, I'm riddled with it, I'm riddled with cancer," she stated. "You think things like, I'm going to die, I'm not gonna see my son do x, y and z."
Jo characterized the operation results as severely disfiguring and poor.
Five years later, the hospital contacted her to admit the breast removal was unwarranted.
"That's not going to fix everything I've been through in the last five years," Jo stated.
"It affects every element of your life. I was in some sort of daze and I think part of it was because of the fact that I've worked in that sector all these years, how did I not know?
"It's just unbelievable the number of cases that are being reviewed, the number of harms. That's not what the NHS is for, that's not what we're about. It's absolutely unforgivable."
Patients impacted by the scandal demand a public inquiry and accountability.
Nadine Lister established a support group, while independent reviewer Mary Aubrey noted that concerns surfaced as early as 2012.
Trust chief executive Steve Russell, who started in September 2025, noted that over 640 individuals reached out to a dedicated helpline, with thousands of files potentially reopening.
Mr Russell stated: "I don't personally know why they [the mastectomies] happened.
"There are no words that I could use to convey how personally distressed I am and my colleagues are for those outcomes and the harm that those women have experienced."
The Department of Health and Social Care expressed sympathy for families and stated the Trust is collaborating with NHS England, the Care Quality Commission, and independent specialists.
Mr Bhatti could not be reached by The Sun, but released a statement to the BBC expressing gratitude for the response opportunity while remaining focused on the ongoing Trust inquiry.
Gill Hunt, Chief Nurse for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, issued a statement.
"We are deeply sorry to the women and families who were harmed and let down by historic failings in our breast services. We know that no apology can ever undo the lasting impact on the lives of those affected.
"Our focus remains on supporting women and families and we have a dedicated patient support team available on 0191 333 2126 or cddft.breastservices@nhs.net.
"Our breast services today are much improved, with patient outcomes now above national standards. We know rebuilding trust will take time, and we remain committed to listening to patients and learning from the past."
Breast Cancer Scandal: Exposing the Harm, broadcasts on BBC Two at 7pm and streams on BBC iPlayer.
