Background
In April 2025, we confirmed that both an external clinical review and an independent investigation had commenced into the practice of Ms Kuldeep Stohr, a trauma and orthopaedic consultant who specialises in treating children.
Both the review and investigation were commissioned by the Trust following an earlier external review, completed in January 2025, which found that the outcomes for some patients cared for by Ms Stohr were below the standard we expect — and that our patients and their families should expect from us.
As a precaution, we restricted Ms Stohr’s clinical practice in 2024 while that first review took place. After the initial review was completed, she was suspended.
We are now writing to share an update on the progress of the second external clinical review and the independent investigation.
We are extremely sorry that this situation has occurred. We offer our sincere and unreserved apologies to the patients and families affected.
You can find more details below about the support we’re offering to patients and families.
Independent investigation into missed opportunities
The independent investigation, led by the specialist team at a company called Verita, is looking into whether there were any missed opportunities to identify or prevent possible harm to children treated by Ms Stohr between 2015 and 2024. The terms of reference for the investigation can be found here.
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.
We apologise if this news causes anyone involved additional concern.
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.
Please note, this delay does not impact on the timing of the individual clinical reviews.
External clinical review led by Andrew Kennedy KC
A second external clinical review is now taking place. This is looking at the care of 698 patients who had planned surgery under Ms Stohr’s care while she worked at CUH.
In late June, we started contacting patients and families whose cases have now been reviewed to explain the findings into their individual cases 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.
If your case is being reviewed but you have not yet heard from your case worker, please do not worry - we are still in the early stages of the review.
We understand that this process is taking a long time, and we are grateful for the patience of our patients and families while external experts conduct a thorough and comprehensive review of each case.
Once the review of all the cases is complete, we will publish its findings and any recommendations.
Support for patients and families
We are fully focused on doing the right thing for the families affected. We know this is an incredibly distressing time, and we are here to support you.
We will continue to provide support to all affected patients and families and involve patient groups as the investigation continues.
Our Patient and Family Liaison Team is available to help.
You can reach us by:
Phone: 0808 175 6331 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm)
Email: CUH.helpline@nhs.net
We are also working with local MPs and Healthwatch to make sure families get the help and information they need.
Once again, we are truly sorry for the impact this has had. We will continue to keep patients, families, and the public updated.
Further updates
We will continue to update this webpage with further updates on both the review and investigation when we have them.