Doctor Faced Allegations Of Providing Unnecessary, Invasive And Intimate Procedures On Up To 40 Patients For His Sexual Gratification

Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have been instructed by patients of a doctor struck off for “preying” on men and boys for his sexual gratification.

Dr Iuliu Stan worked as a locum senior house officer in the in trauma and orthopaedics department at The Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust for five years.

Dr Stan allegations

Earlier this year he was struck off the Medical Register by the General Medical Council (GMC). It followed an independent medical tribunal which concluded he “preyed” on patients for sexual gratification. 

Dr Stan faced allegations of having provided unnecessary, invasive, and intimate procedures on up to 40 patients, some of which were children. His actions ranged from intimate investigations to prescribing and personally administering rectal medication when alternative treatment should have been provided.

Cornwall Hospital Trust investigation 

Dr Stan’s actions were addressed by the Trust in 2020 when a patient’s dad became concerned over the length of time Dr Stan was taking while providing painkilling rectal medication. 

The Trust first investigated concerns over the treatment Dr Stan was providing in May 2020 where he was asked to familiarise himself with the Trust’s chaperone policy. 

The tribunal’s findings 

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) also found that on several occasions Dr Stan had failed to obtain informed consent, offer alternative treatment before providing medication or adhere to the Trust’s chaperone policy. 

Lawyers instructed by hospital patients

Following the MPTS’ findings, a number of patients and families have instructed specialist hospital abuse lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help them access the specialist support they require.

Tom Fletcher is an expert lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting those affected. 

Expert Opinion

“That Dr Stan was able to take advantage of vulnerable patients, including children, in his five years working at the Trust, raises serious concerns and questions over how the Trust allowed him to continue doing these abhorrent acts without it being notified by other staff members.

“Despite what happened, once his actions came to light, the Trust felt it best to inform patients through a generic letter sent in the post, with no offer of support or counselling.

“Receiving this information out of the blue has caused distress. There remain many unanswered questions about how Dr Stan was able to continue committing these acts over such a long period of time.

“While nothing can make up for what they’ve been through we’re determined to help support our clients not only secure the answers they deserve about their particular case, but also the specialist support they require to try and come to terms with their ordeal.” Tom Fletcher

A statement from the Trust stated that Dr Stan has not worked there since September 2020 and was dismissed in March 2021. The Trust said it recognised the Tribunal’s findings will have been distressing and it was ‘deeply sorry’ for this. 
 
Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting patients and families affected by cases of hospital abuse at our dedicated abuse and criminal injuries section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.

More on the MPTS' findings is available online.