ABS Statement on the Aubrey Report

The Association of Breast Surgery was very saddened to read the Aubrey Report on the Breast Unit at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust and hear the BBC’s reporting of issues. We would like to express our sympathy to all patients who have been affected and to the many more who may now be worried about the care they received. We would like to thank our members, who are supporting these patients at such a difficult time, in particular colleagues at surrounding Trusts who have stepped in to support the Unit as it moves forward.
 
The ABS promotes the delivery of the highest standards of modern breast care through education to help clinicians stay up to date, the publication of high quality, evidence based guidance, conducting research into optimal care for breast cancer patients and supporting national audits (for example NaoPri, NaoMe and GIRFT) to share data, to make units aware of areas where they could improve and help raise standards.
 
We would encourage all units and clinicians involved in breast care to embrace the ethos of the ABS and use the resources available in order to maintain the highest standards of patient care for every individual they see.