Medical Negligence Experts Helping To Establish Answers On Behalf Of Families

Lawyers representing patients operated on by surgeon Kuldeep Stohr have spoken out after a report found a Hospital Trust missed 32 opportunities to take action. 

Kuldeep Stohr continued to work for years at Addenbrooke’s Hospital near Cambridge under increasing pressure which “resulted in a prolonged risk to patients,” investigators said.

The findings of the long-awaited report into possible harm to paediatric orthopaedic patients at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Addenbrooke’s Hospital, has today been published.

Concerns first raised about surgeon Kuldeep Stohr's work in 2016 

The 300-page report by independent investigators Vertia, highlights how a 2016 review raised concerns about Ms Stohr’s work. However, the report was “misunderstood” and opportunities to act were not taken. This was described as a “pivotal missed opportunity,” by Verita.

Expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell represent a number of patients and families with concerns about the operations performed by Ms Stohr, including on adults and children.

Natalie Truman is an expert group action medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, who is supporting affected families and patients.

Expert Opinion

“The report makes for extremely worrying reading and vividly highlights how a catalogue of missed opportunities by the Trust resulted in problems being allowed to manifest for many years.

“What is of particular concern is how the Trust didn’t act upon the 2016 Hill report which identified shortcomings in Ms Stohr’s practice and proposed remedial steps. The Trust’s poor management and governance meant subsequent ongoing issues weren’t identified and addressed, therefore deficiencies persisted for years, exposing patients to prolonged risk.

“This report is bittersweet for the families we represent. They’re pleased that it highlights the scale of the problem and vindicates their concerns. However, they’re upset that weak governance, a lack of managerial accountability, and a poor safety culture allowed issues to go undetected for so long.” Natalie Truman

What the Verita report into Kuldeep Stohr's work at Addenbrooke's Hospital found

The report, which was commissioned by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, sets out to show what was known about Ms Stohr’s practice, when it was known, and whether earlier intervention could have prevented harm. The investigation does not review individual patient care, which will be covered by a separate clinical review.

If appropriate actions had been taken, they "would have likely reduced harm to paediatric orthopaedic patients", investigators concluded.

As well as finding 32 missed opportunities, investigators also made a number of recommendations. These included:

• Clearer line-management arrangements and management structures 
• Mentoring and buddying arrangements for new consultants
• The creation of reliable records for any future reviews and on how findings and recommendations from external reviews should be shared.
• Improved multi-disciplinary team functioning
• Stronger mechanisms for raising and acting on concerns

Expert Opinion

“While it’s too late for many families, we welcome the Trust’s pledge to learn from what happened and implement changes. However, it’s vital it makes meaningful progress. Too often in the past we have seen reviews and investigations into hospital care make recommendations which have taken years to implement.

“We urge the Trust to ensure it regularly updates on the progress it is making to implement these changes so progress can be tracked, and if needed, it can receive additional help.

“In the meantime, we continue to support families so they can be provided with the individual answers they deserve, but where appropriate they can access any follow up treatment and rehabilitation they may require.” Natalie Truman

Ms Stohr background

Issues around Ms Stohr’s practice began to publicly emerge this year when Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, announced on 14 February, that a review had been launched into issues at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

It had found that nine children operated on by a then unnamed surgeon received care that fell “below expected standards”. The Trust added that the care some children received had “impacted on their quality of life.”   

The following month the Trust revealed that the probe had been extended to examine 800 patients – both children and adults. 

In April it was revealed that the surgeon, who had been suspended while the inquiry examining operations, including hip procedures on children was carried out, was Ms Stohr. 

Following Verita’s report, the Hospital Trust said it accepted the findings and recommendations in full. It said it was deeply sorry for the impact issues have had on patients and families.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting patients and families affected by issued connected to Ms Stohr's work at our dedicated Kuldeep Stohr claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.