A review has found that a nine-year-old boy suffered fatal physical harm after undergoing surgery performed by a now-suspended NHS surgeon. Jack Moate died less than two months after the operation at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, with his mother stating he was 'in agony'. The case has been referred to the coroner for further investigation.
Key Takeaways
A review found that nine-year-old Jack Moate suffered fatal physical harm after surgery performed by suspended NHS surgeon Kuldeep Stohr at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. Jack died less than two months post-operation, with his mother stating he was 'in agony'. The case has been referred to the coroner for further investigation.
- Review finds evidence of fatal physical harm caused during Jack Moate's surgery
- Jack Moate died on November 21, 2015, less than two months after the operation
- Concerns about surgeon Kuldeep Stohr's practice were raised as early as 2015 but went unaddressed until her suspension in 2024
- Almost 700 patients who underwent surgery by Stohr are under review
- Jack's mother, Elizabeth Moate, felt pressured into signing the consent form and seeks answers and justice
Jack, who had many complex medical needs and limited mobility, underwent an almost eight-hour surgery on his hips performed by orthopaedic consultant Kuldeep Stohr on September 28, 2015. He passed away on November 21, 2015. His mother, Elizabeth Moate, expressed that she felt pressured to sign the consent form for the surgery.
A letter from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) to Ms. Moate states that an independent clinical expert found 'there was evidence that fatal physical harm was caused'. The expert also noted that the care provided was not in line with expected standards. Dr Sue Broster, chief medical officer at CUH, offered unreserved apologies for the failings in Jack's care.
Concerns about Ms Stohr's practice were raised as early as 2015 and were examined in an external clinical review in 2016. However, a separate investigation reported last year highlighted that the 2016 review raised concerns about her surgical technique and judgment but was 'misunderstood', leading to missed opportunities for action. This allowed Ms Stohr to continue operating unimpeded until her suspension in 2024.
Jack's case is part of a wider external clinical review commissioned by the trust last year, involving almost 700 patients who underwent planned surgical procedures by Ms Stohr. The review aims to address concerns about care that was 'below the expected standard'. The trust has committed to publishing a summary of the review findings once all cases have been reviewed and discussed with those affected.
Ms Moate has called for answers and justice for her son, stating she will never forgive the hospital. Her solicitor, Elizabeth Maliakal, has called for a statutory inquiry and requested a meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to discuss wider hospital patient safety issues. Ms Stohr's solicitor stated that she would not be commenting on the development.
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