Doctors.net.uk

By Jane Kirby, PA Media Twenty women have undergone unnecessary mastectomies, while others suffered significant harm while under the care of an NHS trust. A review of cases so far has found hundreds of patients have come to harm during treatment in the breast unit at the County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT).

By Sarah Lowden The British Medical Association has announced a postponement to plans to escalate its collective action in general practice as it tries to “reset” the relationship with the government ahead of talks. The change of course has come following the recent political changes – with a new health secretary under Andy Burnham’s leadership, and changes within its own general practitioners committee in England (GPCE).

18 September 2026 By Daniel Pye The risk of harm caused to mental health patients subjected to long waits and poor support in emergency departments “weighs heavily” on doctors. In response to an investigation into the care of patients suffering from mental health crisis in EDs, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) said the environment is not one that “facilitates recovery”.

By Erin Dean and Ella Pickover, PA Media A breast cancer drug has been approved by NICE following changes to its funding assessment process – reversing a previous decision that it was too expensive. In 2024 the NHS watchdog rejected Enhertu for HER2-low advanced breast cancer for being “not cost effective”. But the body said a “commercial solution” has now been agreed for the drug following changes made to its methods as part of the controversial UK/US Pharmaceutical Pricing Agreement.

By Erin Dean and Ella Pickover, PA Media A breast cancer drug has been approved by NICE following changes to its funding assessment process – reversing a previous decision that it was too expensive. In 2024 the NHS watchdog rejected Enhertu for HER2-low advanced breast cancer for being “not cost effective”. But the body said a “commercial solution” has now been agreed for the drug following changes made to its methods as part of the controversial UK/US Pharmaceutical Pricing Agreement.

By Ella Pickover, PA Media A coroner has raised concerns about how clinicians from different hospitals communicate with one another after the death of a new mother. “Confused” lines of communication between clinicians at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust “present a risk to the care provided to future patients”, West Sussex, Brighton and Hove senior coroner Penelope Schofield said.

By Sarah Lowden Patients with obsessive compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder could be offered more appropriate treatment earlier, according to the NHS watchdog. Draft guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence have been issued to help doctors recognise OCD and BDD “more consistently”. The recommendations advise doctors to consider assessing for OCD and BDD in people with depression, anxiety, autism or ADHD, as well as those seeking cosmetic procedures.

By Daniel Pye The first students have joined a fast-track medicine degree for healthcare professionals who want to retrain as doctors. King’s College London has launched the first four-year healthcare entry medicine (HEM) programme aimed at professionals including nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, pharmacists and physician assistants (PAs). Applicants must have at least two years NHS experience in a patient-facing role and a minimum of a 2:1 in a healthcare profession degree.

By Sarah Lowden “This must never happen again,” was Lady Justice Thirlwall’s stark warning as she delivered her findings from the public inquiry into how nurse Lucy Letby was able to murder babies at the Countess of Chester hospital a decade ago. The public inquiry began in September 2024 after Letby was imprisoned for the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of seven others. It took more than six months to hear from more than 130 witnesses.

16 September 2026 By Daniel Pye Prioritisation for specialty places will continue to be based on immigration status in 2027, not NHS experience. Earlier this year, legislation prioritised UK medical school graduates and those who have indefinite leave to remain in the UK (ILR) for specialty training places, as well as certain other countries the UK has reciprocal agreements with.