Investigations of abuse by Dr Iuliu Stan – The Royal Cornwall Hospital

Who is Dr Iuliu Stan?

Dr Stan qualified in medicine in his native Romania in 2007, before spending two years working in the UK. He then returned to Romania to complete his training in general trauma orthopaedics.

Upon returning to the UK in 2015, he worked in trauma and orthopaedics as a locum senior house officer at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust (RCHT) for five years, between 2015 – 2020.

What are the allegations against Dr Stan?

A misconduct hearing earlier this year heard that the doctor subjected patients – some of them children – to “unnecessary, invasive and intimate procedures for his own sexual gratification”.

The tribunal heard allegations of misconduct surrounding 37 anonymous patients, all of whom were contacted in January 2024 to be told of the hearing and the events surrounding it.

It was found that Dr Stan had prescribed and administered rectal medication personally on over 200 occasions and sometimes multiple times to the same patient. He also failed to obtain informed consent, to offer a chaperone or to provide alternative options for the rectal medication.

The hearing also heard how “It was noted that he only administered this medication to male patients and was failing to follow the chaperone policy.”

Dr Stan did not attend the independent medical tribunal and did not submit a statement.

The tribunal heard how Dr Stan’s practice at the RCHT went unchallenged until a parent became concerned over how long their child’s treatment was taking.

The tribunal heard evidence that the use of rectal pain relief is not uncommon in Romania where Dr Stan trained.

Dr Iuliu Stan was found guilty of misconduct and was struck off the medical register after an independent medical tribunal concluded he “preyed” on patients for sexual gratification.

The case has been referred to Devon and Cornwall Police.

The response from the Royal Cornwall Trust

The RCHT said: “Following the outcome of the tribunal in February, we are working with safeguarding agencies and the case has been referred to the police.

“We recognise the tribunal’s findings have been distressing for those concerned and are deeply sorry for this.

“We have written to patients whose records were reviewed as part of the General Medical Council investigation to extend our apologies and to offer support and an opportunity to meet with us.”

It appears that whilst there were 37 anonymous patients initially considered, for the purposes of the tribunal, more people have now been told that they could potentially have been victims and another set of former patients has received letters from the trust.

It is not known how many letters have been sent but the misconduct hearing noted he administered pain relief to male patients on 277 occasions, and once to a female patient.

The letter said: “Our records show that Dr Stan administered rectal medication to you during your admission to the Royal Cornwall Hospital.

“We are deeply sorry for the distress caused by this doctor’s professional misconduct and his completely unacceptable abuse of the trust you placed in those caring for you at that time”.

The RCHT is restricted in what they can say due to an ongoing police investigation and it is understood that the Trust are liaising with the police.

“Due to ongoing inquiries, we are unable to disclose specific details but can confirm we have written to a number of former patients of Dr Stan,” it said.

“We are working with safeguarding services and the police, and patients have been given contact points from where we can tailor support to their individual needs.”

Iuliu Iosif Marian Stan had not worked at the RCHT since September 2020 and was dismissed from its employment in March 2021.

Unfortunately, whilst the trust has initially reached out to patients, and confirmed the support they would provide, it seems that they have remained difficult to contact and obtain any further information and answers from.

What now?

A number of solicitors are supporting victims of Dr Stan’s by providing legal advice, investigating these allegations further, and assisting in claims against the trust.

The Medical Accident Group is also offering this support and these services to any victims who wish to receive it.

Ally Taft, a Partner at the Medical Accident Group, frequently represents and provides support throughout clinical negligence proceedings to individuals and families who have faced similar circumstances said “It is truly saddening and worrisome that such practices have been able to take place and that there are now so many people that these allegations and investigations will affect. We put our utmost faith and trust in doctors to provide appropriate care for ourselves and our loved ones, and so it is difficult to comprehend when that trust is broken, especially to such a degree and under these circumstances. Unfortunately, I have represented clients previously who have faced similar circumstances throughout my career, and these are claims which I am very familiar with. I want to offer that same support now and my services moving forward. If any victims of Dr Stan do want to discuss any matters, or have any queries, then I will be available to those who need it. It is important that the Trust also work with victims to ensure that support is available through this very difficult time”.

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Meet the Team

Ally Taft, Head of Clinical Negligence

Starting out as a physiotherapist, Ally embarked on her legal training knowing that she wanted to specialise in clinical negligence from the outset. Now a partner for Medical Accident Group, her experience and medical understanding have stood her and her clients in good stead, combined, as they are, with her determination to seek justice for clients whose lives have been devastated by clinical negligence.

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