Cornwall NHS 'deeply sorry for the distress caused' in Doctor Stan case

The NHS has written to solicitors representing patients who believe they were impacted by his actions

Generic view of a hospital ward
Author: Andrew KayPublished 14th Jan 2025

Solicitors representing victims of a doctor who gave treatment for his own sexual gratification say they welcome an admission of liability from the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust.

Doctor Iuliu Stan, a former locum senior house officer in Trauma and Orthopaedics, has been removed from the medical register, and a criminal investigation's been launched by police.

The trust has offered an 'unreserved apology', and acknowledged his conduct was a clear breach of professional duties.

In a letter sent to Thompsons Solicitors , which represents a growing number of patients deeply affected by Dr Stan’s actions, the Trust has issued an unreserved apology to the patients harmed by Dr Stan’s gross misconduct, marking a crucial step towards justice for victims.

It also acknowledged that Dr Stan’s conduct constituted a clear breach of professional duties and admitted that his prescription and administration of rectal medication to certain patients was negligent.

The letter follows a Medical Practitioners Tribunal ruling which found that Dr Stan’s administration of rectal pain relief and laxatives was sexually motivated. Dr Stan, who worked at Royal Cornwall Hospital from 2015 to 2020, was erased from the UK medical register, and a criminal investigation has since been launched by the police.

Last summer, the Trust also sent letters to approximately 200 patients, apologising for Dr Stan’s “professional misconduct” and “completely unacceptable abuse” of trust.

Thompsons Solicitors has welcomed the Trust’s acknowledgement of wrongdoing and its commitment to resolving the matter. It has urged anyone who believes they have been affected to come forward to seek answers in relation to their treatment.

One of the patients bringing legal action through Thompsons, who wishes to remain anonymous, alleges that Dr Stan treated them following a road traffic collision. They claim that Dr Stan administered the painkiller Voltarol via PR (per rectum) without obtaining consent and failed to arrange a chaperone.

Matthew Jones, a leading solicitor in Thompsons’ medical negligence team, which has offices in Bristol and Plymouth, stated: "We are representing a growing number of patients who have been deeply affected by Dr Stan’s actions. Their experiences highlight the vital importance of safeguarding trust within the medical profession. Our priority is to ensure that every individual impacted has their voice heard and receives the support they need.

"We welcome the Trust’s apology and its recognition of the considerable distress caused to patients by Dr Stan’s unacceptable behaviour. Whilst it is impossible to undo the harm caused, this acknowledgement and admission of negligence is an important step in helping patients find closure and holding those responsible to account.”

Thompsons has established a dedicated helpline for anyone who may have been affected by Dr Stan’s actions and is seeking legal advice or support. The firm urges anyone who believes they were impacted to reach out on 0808 252 2781.

Matthew Jones added: "The breadth and severity of the alleged misconduct by Dr Stan are deeply troubling. Based on the evidence and patterns of behaviour outlined in the tribunal’s report, we believe there may be hundreds of victims who suffered under his care. We urge anyone who may have been affected to come forward and seek the support they need."

The RCHT said: "We have written to affected individuals to admit liability for the actions of Dr Stan and to offer an unreserved apology to victims.

"We are deeply sorry for the distress caused by his serious professional misconduct and his abuse of the trust placed in him by patients."

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Steve Furnell

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