In recent months, serious concerns have been raised about the treatment provided by Ms Kuldeep Stohr, a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon who undertook operations at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Around 800 of her former patients are now having their care urgently reviewed after an external review identified several cases where care fell below the required standards.
The procedures in question include complex orthopaedic operations on children, surgeries that when performed incorrectly, may lead to lifelong complications such as impaired mobility, chronic pain, and the need for further corrective surgery.
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) confirmed that an initial review found a small number of cases where care did not meet expected standards and subsequently extended the review to examine around 800 patients treated by Ms Stohr. The trust also temporarily restricted Ms Stohr’s clinical practice and later suspended her while the independent review continues. These steps have been taken as a precaution while experts review outcomes and identify patients who may need further care or monitoring.
For families, the announcement has been deeply distressing as parents are rightly seeking answers surrounding whether the surgery their child received was necessary, whether it was carried out to an appropriate standard, and what the long-term implications might be. The emotional and practical impact of potentially substandard paediatric care cannot be overstated as it can affect a child’s development, education, and future quality of life placing significant strain on families.
At Tees, we are supporting families impacted by such treatment to help secure the medical, rehabilitative and legal support they require. While compensation cannot undo the harm already caused, it can help fund specialist treatment, ongoing therapy, and adaptations that improve a child’s quality of life so that they can fulfil their potential.
These cases highlight the vital importance of clinical governance, timely escalation of concerns and robust oversight within NHS trusts, as well as the importance for families to be aware of Martha’s Law, if you want a second opinion. Where concerns about a clinician’s practice have previously been raised, they must be investigated thoroughly and transparently to prevent further harm. Independent, expert-led reviews such as the one now under way play a crucial role in identifying failings and recommending remedial treatment or system changes.
If you or a family member were treated by Ms Stohr and are worried about past surgery or current symptoms, CUH has set up a helpline for patients and families, and legal guidance is available to help you understand whether further action is needed. At Tees, we remain committed to representing those affected and ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed on an individual basis, as patient needs are bespoke.
