NHS leaders have reflected on one of the most difficult years for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, while reporting on many positive improvements in patient care.

At the Trust's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 20 October, Chair Alison Marshall and Chief Executive Steve Russell spoke openly about the challenges faced during 2025/26 and the work underway to improve services for local people.

The new Chair and Chief Executive, in place now for just over a year, thanked over 8,000 staff across all parts of the Trust who care passionately about providing good quality patient care. They praised the hard work of colleagues, with many teams there at the AGM to proudly share their work.

Trust leaders also reflected on the serious failings in breast services. Opening the meeting, Alison Marshall acknowledged the harm caused to women and thanked those present at the AGM for their bravery.

She said: "We know this has been a very difficult year for the patients and families we have so badly let down and for that we are truly sorry. As we look forward, we do hope people can see the changes we are making as we continue to improve patient care and make sure everyone gets the safe, high-quality care they deserve.”

Chief Executive, Steve Russell said the breast services failings had damaged people's confidence and shown how much needed to change. He said: "We know it will take time to rebuild trust and we are determined to do that as we keep improving care for the people of County Durham and Darlington.”

During the AGM, the Trust reflected on key progress to reduce waiting times and make sure patients have quick access to the care they need. The Trust met three of the national priorities for the NHS in 2025/26 including

  • over 79% of patients were seen, treated or admitted within four hours after attending emergency care.
  • over 66% of patients had their planned treatment within 18 weeks of GP referral.
  • over 79% of patients had their first treatment for cancer within 62 days of GP referral.

Leaders were clear, however, that too many patients were still waiting too long for care and outlined ambitions to improve access even further in the year ahead.

The Trust was also clear that it wants to improve how quickly teams let people know whether they have cancer or not, after a diagnostic test.

In terms of specific improvements in the Trust’s breast cancer service, leaders confirmed that patient outcomes are now in line with or better than national averages, adding that people can and should have confidence in the service today.

A new ‘one stop shop’ referral process has meant big improvements in how quickly people access care after seeing their GP or attending breast screening. The Trust publicly thanked partners who continue to support improvements.

Whilst continuing to drive improvements in patient care, the Trust also reported on a very challenging financial position at the AGM, ending the year with a £21.9 million deficit.

A range of work is now underway to improve value for money, make best use of resources and think about new ways to improve productivity and efficiency.

Chief Executive Steve Russell added: "It is important that we recognise the progress over the past 12 months. Despite the very difficult challenges we have faced, we know that many patients receive excellent care every day.

“We need to build on these strengths and make sure this is case for everyone. That means listening to people, being honest when things are not right and taking action to make thing better.

"What matters most is making a real difference to the care people receive and the experience they have. We have so many dedicated staff, volunteers and partners who all share the same passion to do the very best for our patients. We look forward to building on this in the year ahead.”