In a previous article, we raised awareness of the ongoing investigation into a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Addenbrookes Hospital, which is part of the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The surgeon in question has now been publicly named, this being Kuldeep Stohr.

Ms Stohr had her practice restricted in 2024 and was suspended earlier in the year in light of concerns regarding the standard of care that she was providing to her patients. Investigations are ongoing in respect of the care provided, with concerns having been raised in respect of fundamental issues during surgery on children, such as inserting screws in the wrong place.

The Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Andrew Kennedy KC to chair a panel of expert clinicians to undertake an external clinical review of Ms Stohr’s practice. This review has now begun and is looking at the care of 698 patients who have undergone planned surgical procedures during the time Ms Stohr was employed by the NHS Trust.

There is also an independent investigation into missed opportunities to recognise and address concerns in respect of Ms Stohr some years ago. Indeed, concerns were raised as early as 2015 and were the subject of an external clinical review in 2016. The Trust has asked Verita, a specialist investigations company, to investigate whether that review was acted upon appropriately and, if not, why.

This is immensely concerning and may indicate a wider issue at the Trust surrounding systemic failings to appropriately monitor medical professionals and ensure that they are providing the standard of care that patients are entitled to expect.

Dr Susan Broster, chief medical officer at the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We apologise unreservedly to the patients and families we have let down.

“There are around 700 patients in scope of the review and very sadly it is identifying some cases where the level of care has been below the expected standard.

“We will ensure that the findings and recommendations are implemented in full.”

It is however likely that any apologies from the Trust will fail to provide the justice and the answers that the affected families want. Such apologies do not change the suffering that children have been forced to endure and whilst a clinical negligence claim can likewise not change what has happened, it can secure financial compensation to assist with rehabilitation and other needs that they have as a result of the negligence.

Our clinical negligence department has substantial experience in dealing with both paediatric and adult orthopaedic surgery negligence, having achieved successful resolutions to numerous claims resulting in life changing settlements. If your child has undergone surgery under the care of Ms Stohr and you feel that it has been carried out to a negligent standard, please contact our experienced team to discuss how we can help. Likewise, if you or a loved one have faced similar issues at other NHS Trusts or at a private hospital, we will be happy to speak with you and explore if there is a potential claim that you can bring.