Cambridge Trust Missed 32 Opportunities to Address Pediatric Surgeon Concerns

An independent review found that Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust missed 32 opportunities between 2012 and 2024 to address concerns about pediatric orthopaedic surgeon Kuldeep Stohr's practice, leading to prolonged patient risk due to continued deficiencies in her surgeries. Despite a 2016 external review identifying technical and judgment concerns about Stohr's surgical work, trust leadership misinterpreted the findings as interpersonal conflicts rather than clinical issues, allowing her to continue operating for nearly a decade under increasing pressure. Complaints against Stohr include botched hip surgeries and knee reconstructions, with an ongoing review of nearly 800 of her patients' cases currently underway. The trust has apologized for the impact on patients and families and published an action plan aimed at improving clinical governance, oversight, and medical culture. However, affected families and legal representatives have called for a statutory public inquiry, arguing that the trust's response is insufficient and demanding accountability for those responsible. The case highlights systemic failures in clinical supervision, communication, and governance within the hospital's pediatric orthopaedic department.