Lawyers Secure Compensation For Patients Sexually Abused Dr Iuliu Stan At Cornwall Hospital Trust

Patients sexually abused by a disgraced doctor working at a Cornwall Hospital Trust have received compensation.

The men were targeted by Dr Iuliu Stan, who a medical tribunal found subjected male patients to unnecessary treatment for his own sexual gratification.

A misconduct hearing found Dr Stan subjected mainly male patients, including children, to "intimate and invasive procedures" while working as a senior house officer at Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust from 2015 to 2020.

The doctor, who is believed to have treated more than 270 patients during that time, was subsequently struck off from practising in the UK by the General Medical Council.

Lawyers instructed to bring civil claims for damages

A number of patients abused by Dr Stan instructed expert hospital abuse lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to launch civil claims for damages.

Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust has now agreed undisclosed settlements with some of those Dr Stan abused.

It had previously admitted liability in connection with Dt Stan’s actions. The Trust acknowledged that Dr Stan’s prescription and administration of rectal medication was negligent as were other procedures including the use of urinary catheters and examinations of genital areas.

Tom Flecther, the specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing a number of affected patients, said: “Dr Stan used his privileged position to abuse vulnerable patients in need of treatment.

 

“While his repulsive actions happened several years ago, the psychological and emotional impact of what patients went through continues to impact on their lives.  

 

“While we can’t change the past, these settlements are a significant milestone in patients receiving recognition and justice for what happened. They will also help fund the specialist support they require to try and rebuild their lives.

 

“We’d urge other survivors of such abuse not to suffer in silence. By reporting what happened to them they can help ensure all lessons possible can be learned to help prevent similar abuse happening in the future.”

Dr Iuliu Stan background

Dr Stan’s actions were uncovered by the Trust in 2020 when a patient’s dad became concerned over the length of time the doctor was taking while providing painkilling rectal medication.

The General Medical Council struck off Dr Stan in 2024. However, last year it was suspected he was working in his native Romania.

Initially Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust has admitted liability in that his prescription and administration of rectal medication was negligent. However, following further legal submissions, in March 2025, it also admitted further liability in respect of Dr Stan’s use of urinary catheters and examinations of genital areas and his behaviour was sexually motivated.

Patients Targeted By Dr Iuliu Stan Reveal Impact Of Abuse

Patient Told He Had To Have Painkiller Administered Internally

A man, who attended hospital in 2019 after being assaulted, is among those Irwin Mitchell has secured a settlement for.  

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was told by Dr Stan that he required a strong painkiller which needed to be administered internally.

He said: “I went to hospital in severe pain and disorientated. I trusted the doctor and didn’t feel like I had any real control over what was happening.

 

“When I was told how the pain relief would be given, I felt uncomfortable straight away, but I was also in agony and didn’t feel able to question it."

The man, in his 30s, later described feeling “uncomfortable, exposed and violated”. Struggling to come to terms with what happened he began to withdraw from work and friends.

The man, who was diagnosed with PTSD and now unable to work, added: “I tried to put what happened to the back of my mind and carry on but I became anxious. I started having panic attacks and nightmares, especially about hospitals. Certain sounds, smells or even seeing medical equipment could set me off.

 

“Nothing will change what happened, but being believed matters. Having some recognition of the damage this caused feels important. I’m trying to focus on recovery now and on building a future where this doesn’t define me.”

Man With Testicular Pain Inappropriately Examined By Dr Stan

A second man who Irwin Mitchell secured compensation for was subjected to an inappropriate examination by Dr Stan.

He had attended hospital in 2018 after developing sudden and severe pain in his left testicle and assessed by the doctor.  

The man, who also can’t be named for legal reasons, said: “I remember feeling relieved when I was told it didn’t appear to be anything immediately life threatening. At that point, I trusted that what was being done was medically necessary.”

However, he said the examination quickly became uncomfortable and “went on much longer than I expected,”

“Something didn’t feel right, but I was only young and I put my trust in the doctor, he added.  

The patient was then told by Dr Stan that further examinations were required to rule out other causes of pain. 

After leaving hospital, he said the experience stayed with him.

The man, in his 20s, said: “I couldn’t stop replaying it in my head,” he said. “I felt embarrassed and ashamed, and I kept questioning myself — whether I was imagining it or whether it really had crossed a line.

 

“When I found out the doctor was being investigated for misconduct it felt like what happened wasn’t just in my head.

 

“I’m trying to move forward now, but rebuilding trust — especially in healthcare — takes time.”

Man Only Realised He Had Been Abused Years Later After Further Admissions

A patient, who Dr Stan inserted a catheter into “for his sexual gratification”, has spoken of the psychological impact he continues to experience.

The man, in his 20s, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was a teenager when he was admitted to hospital with a serious infection.

He was subjected to the insertion and removal of a urinary catheter by Dr Stan. He said he was told the procedure was medically necessary and that his kidneys were failing.

It was only after the Hospital Trust made admissions in March 2025 about Dr Stan’s use of catheters that he realised he had been abused.

He said: “I remember being left alone with him behind closed curtains while the catheter was fitted. However, I was told my kidneys were failing so I was led to believe that he was saving my life.

 

“When the realisation that I’d been abuse hit it was devastating.

 

“Finding out that something I thought had saved me was actually for someone’s own sexual gratification has destroyed my trust in doctors. The trauma has affected my mental health, my relationships and my ability to feel safe in medical 

settings.

 

“Although it doesn’t take away the trauma, receiving compensation has helped me feel that the harm I suffered has been recognised.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting survivors of hospital abuse at our dedicated hospital abuse claims section.