Calls have been made for an impartial investigation into the oversight failure of an NHS hospital in addressing concerns about a surgeon accused of mishandling surgeries on children. A review revealed 32 missed opportunities to intervene against paediatric orthopaedic surgeon Kuldeep Stohr, leading to prolonged patient risks at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Complaints against Stohr include alleged errors in hip and knee surgeries, with the hospital trust issuing apologies for the impact on patients.
Lynn Harrison urged an independent inquiry after her daughter Tammy, 13, underwent surgery by Stohr in April 2021. Tammy, who has cerebral palsy, experienced postoperative pain following a hip joint stabilization procedure. The hospital is reviewing nearly 800 cases involving Stohr, with Tammy’s case being among the initial assessments, revealing technical issues in her surgery.
An investigation highlighted missed opportunities from 2012 to 2024 to prevent harm to patients, prompting demands for accountability from affected families. Concerns about Stohr were raised a decade ago, with a 2016 review pointing out surgical concerns that were not adequately addressed.
Colleagues raised formal concerns about Stohr’s work in 2015, but the hospital leadership misunderstood the review’s findings, leading to no action against Stohr. Furthermore, a lack of communication and oversight allowed Stohr to continue operating until 2024 without proper supervision despite signs of stress and unresolved technical issues.
Stohr ceased practice in 2024, and the hospital formally suspended her in 2025 following concerns raised by colleagues. The hospital acknowledged the findings and vowed to implement changes outlined in the report to prevent such incidents in the future.
Legal representatives of affected families emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry to hold individuals accountable for the lapses in patient care. Families expressed anger and betrayal over the avoidable harm caused by Stohr’s substandard practices, underscoring the urgency of implementing the report’s recommendations for justice and transparency.
The findings underscore systemic failures within the hospital that allowed Stohr to operate unchecked, causing harm to vulnerable patients over several years. Legal advisors encouraged affected families to seek independent legal counsel and demand accountability to ensure their voices are heard and justice is served.