00:00Breast cancer services across the North East are facing increased waiting times after changes within County Durham and Darlington NHS
00:07Foundation Trust.
00:09The trust limited referrals while addressing serious failings identified in a review of its breast surgery service during the past
00:17year.
00:17The review found a range of concerns, including missed cancers and procedures that may not have been necessary.
00:24The trust is now re-examining patient records and says some individuals have experienced harm.
00:30It also says improvements are underway, including recruiting staff and running additional clinics to reduce delays.
00:38Data from the end of February shows hundreds of patients were waiting for a first appointment, with the trust not
00:44meeting at the target time for confirming a diagnosis.
00:47Other trusts, including those serving Newcastle, Gateshead and Teesside, say they have seen rising demand as a result of patients
00:56being redirected.
00:57They describe the impact as manageable, but confirm waiting lists have grown while extra clinics are being arranged.
01:05Health leaders say urgent cases will continue to be prioritised and stress that patient safety remains central.
01:12Police are investigating whether any offences were committed.
01:16The trust says it is working towards national best practice and improving outcomes.
01:22Health leaders say cooperation between trusts remains essential to maintaining timely access to diagnosis and treatment.
Comments