This page contains updates relating to the external reviews into the practice of an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in paediatric surgery.
Earlier this year, the Trust commissioned an external clinical review into the practice of Ms Kuldeep Stohr, a trauma and orthopaedic consultant who specialises in treating children, and an independent investigation into missed opportunities to have identified and addressed any issues arising from her practice sooner.
Both the external clinical review and independent investigation were commissioned by the Trust following an earlier external review. This earlier review was carried out in October 2024 and completed in January 2025, and it identified that the outcomes of treatment provided to a small number of patients were below the standard we would expect, and that they and their families are entitled to expect from us.
As a precautionary measure in 2024, the Trust restricted Ms Stohr’s clinical practice. Following the outcome of this initial review, the surgeon was suspended and is co-operating with the Trust’s process.
We remain extremely sorry that this situation has occurred, and we continue to offer our sincere and unreserved apologies to the patients and families affected.
Below you will find further details on the retrospective external clinical review, the independent investigation, and the support being offered to affected patients and families during this time. Also on this webpage, you will find regular updates on the progress of both – please see the links on this page to navigate these updates.
External clinical review led by Andrew Kennedy KC
A wider retrospective external clinical review was commissioned by the Trust in February 2025. This review is assessing nearly 700 planned surgical operations, plus an initial 50 paediatric trauma cases and 50 adult trauma cases, carried out by Ms Kuldeep Stohr during their time with the Trust.
We have appointed Andrew Kennedy KC to chair a panel of independent expert clinicians that will undertake the external retrospective clinical reviews. Mr Kennedy KC has extensive experience in healthcare, including serving on a number of public inquiries. He has a strong track record of getting the right answers for patients and families.
Videos
We have recently published an animated video that explains the external clinical review process and what it means for patients and families.
Watch: Version for adults
Link: https://youtu.be/t16Gt3eHvG4
Watch: Version for children to watch with a parent or guardian
Link: https://youtu.be/1YK6qN64QkQ
Once a review of an individual case has been completed, the Trust will contact the patient and family to explain the findings into their individual case and discuss whether any further clinical checks or treatment are needed.
This contact happens via telephone call from their assigned case worker in the first instance. The call is followed up with a letter to confirm what was discussed.
We appreciate that waiting is difficult and that it can be stressful, but it’s important that the review process is carried out thoroughly. If you have any concerns during this time, please do not hesitate to contact your dedicated Patient and Family Liaison Officer.
We expect the entire review process to be concluded in Summer 2026. Once the review of all the cases is complete, we will publish its findings and any recommendations.
Independent investigation into missed opportunities
The independent investigation, led by a specialist investigations company called Verita, is looking into what was known when about the practice of Ms Stohr and whether there were opportunities to have identified and addressed these issues sooner.
We know that concerns were raised as early as 2015 and were the subject of an external clinical review in 2016. As part of their work, we have asked Verita to investigate whether that review was acted upon appropriately and, if not, why.
The investigation was originally due to finish in July 2025. However, Verita has advised that more time is needed to speak to everyone they have identified for interview and to fully reflect their experiences. The new expected completion date is October 2025, with a report to follow soon after.
We understand this delay may be upsetting and frustrating for patients and families affected. It is vital that the independent investigation is thorough, and its findings are comprehensive.
Please be assured, that Verita can raise any urgent concerns with the Trust at any time throughout so that immediate action can be taken to maintain and improve patient safety and experience.
Updates
September 2025
- External clinical review led by Andrew Kennedy KC
- Independent listening events for patients and families
July 2025
April 2025
March 2025
February 2025
Non-urgent advice: Helpline for patients
By phone
0808 175 6331
9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday
By email
CUH.helpline@nhs.net
(We will respond as quickly as we can).
Frequently asked questions
We’ve put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the external review into the practice of an orthopaedic surgeon at CUH.
The clinical review – how it works and what this means for you.
Media enquiries
All media enquiries and requests should be directed to the press team.
Telephone: 01223 256768 or 07517 133031