The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust have refused to commission an independent investigation into the allegations that they failed to protect patients from inappropriate and potentially abusive treatment by Dr Stan, a former doctor who worked at Royal Cornwall Hospital from 2015 to 2020.
The head of our Abuse Team, Gary Walker, who is leading on claims in relation to Dr Stan’s misconduct, supports it is vital that there is a full and independent investigation that looks at all the circumstances that led to Dr Stan being struck off the medical register. There are many questions that need to be answered so his victims can understand the extent of Dr Stan’s actions and whether the issues could and should have been identified earlier. It is understood that his practice of administering rectal medication took place over 2-3 years before he stopped working at the hospital. It is also important that the patients are reassured that lessons have been learned and that no one will go through what they have experienced ever again.
The hospital did carry out an investigation in late 2020/early 2021 that led to a referral to the General Medical Council. However, none of the patients were told about the investigation and none of the evidence gathered for it has been shared with them. It is understood that this investigation did not look at whether the hospital’s safeguarding policies were fit for purpose or what circumstances led to Dr Stan being able to continue his practice of administering rectal medication over a number of years and even after it had been raised by the Medical Director.
In their refusal to arrange an independent investigation, the hospital state that Dr Stan’s actions are neither inhuman nor degrading and therefore the requirement for there to be an effective investigation is not met. The hospital also claim that there have already been sufficient effective investigations and point to their own internal investigation and General Medical Council investigation; neither of which any of the patients were told about and therefore, they were not involved with or had their voices heard.
Gary has been asked by his clients to write to Mr Wes Streeting, as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to ask that he order a full independent investigation. His response is awaited.
Many patients have also talked about how they feel the hospital’s decision to inform them about what happened by an unannounced letter was insensitive. The hospital has said that they had previously decided to phone patients first but given the large number of patients they decided to write to them. Gary has spoken to many patients who feel the hospital need to have a trauma-informed approach to communication with their patients when sharing difficult news.
We will be exploring other avenues for challenging the hospital’s refusal to set up an independent investigation and remain committed to ensuring that Dr Stan’s victims are given a voice and get answers to the important questions they have about how Dr Stan was allowed to act as he did for many years.
If you or a loved one have been affected by the actions of Dr Stan get in touch with Gary and his team today. We are already representing over 35 people affected and helping them get answers and compensation for what happened to them. Call us on 0800 044 8488 for a free and completely confidential discussion.
