Dr. Iuliu Stan Misconduct at Royal Cornwall Hospital: Seeking Justice for Victims

Fletchers Solicitors is advising clients who have been victims of Dr Iuliu Stan, a former locum doctor at Royal Cornwall Hospital.  This article aims to inform affected patients about the issue and how we can assist them in seeking justice. Fletchers Solicitors is dedicated to supporting victims of medical malpractice and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

Background of the Case

Dr. Iuliu Stan, who worked in Trauma and Orthopaedics at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust from 2015 to 2020, was struck off the medical register following an independent medical tribunal’s findings. The General Medical Council (GMC) and the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service concluded that Dr. Stan administered rectal medication for pain relief and laxatives for sexually motivated reasons. This abuse involved over 200 incidents where Dr. Stan subjected patients, including children, to unnecessary, invasive, and intimate procedures for his sexual gratification.

Tribunal Findings

The tribunal revealed that Dr. Stan:

• Administered rectal medication personally on over 200 occasions, sometimes multiple times to the same patient.
• Targeted male patients exclusively.
• Failed to follow the hospital’s chaperone policy.
• Did not obtain informed consent from patients.
• Did not offer alternative medications.

These actions went unchallenged for years until a concerned parent questioned the prolonged treatment of their child. Despite an internal investigation by the hospital in May 2020, Dr. Stan continued to practice until September 2020. The lack of timely intervention and notification to patients has raised serious concerns.

Impact on Patients

In a BBC article on 1^st May 2024 it stated that patients treated by Dr. Stan have reported feelings of violation, anxiety, and mistrust towards the NHS. One patient, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed shock and distress upon learning about the abuse years later. The psychological impact of these revelations has compounded existing health anxieties for many victims.

Ongoing Investigations

The Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust has referred the case to Devon and Cornwall Police, and an ongoing investigation is underway. The Trust has acknowledged the distress caused by Dr. Stan’s actions in July of this year, started contacting his former patients   to apologise for his actions offer support and meetings to address their concerns.

How Fletchers Solicitors Can Help

We have been asked to help those affected investigate the possibility of bringing a civil legal claim. If you or a loved one were a patient of Dr. Iuliu Stan at the Royal Cornwall Hospital between 2017 and 2020, you might be entitled to compensation. At Fletchers Solicitors, we are committed to:

• Providing legal representation to hold the responsible parties accountable.
• Helping you understand your rights and navigate the legal process.
• Seeking compensation for the emotional and physical harm suffered.

Francesca Paul, Partner in the Group Claims unit at Fletchers Solicitors commented “When you seek medical treatment, you should never have to worry about becoming a victim of a sexually motivated act. Patients put their trust in healthcare professionals, and having this trust shattered in such an egregious manner is unforgivable. The ramifications for those affected are profound and far-reaching. At Fletchers, it is our mission to advocate for our clients and victims, ensuring they receive justice and compensation for the trauma they have endured.”

Next Steps

We understand the courage it takes to come forward after such a traumatic experience. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way. If you believe you have been affected by Dr. Stan’s misconduct, please contact us for a confidential consultation.