Tragic Death of Nine-Year-Old Boy After NHS Hip Surgery
A mother has recounted how her nine-year-old son died 'in agony' following a hip operation at an NHS hospital, performed by a surgeon who has since been suspended. Jack Moate underwent surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge on September 28, 2015, and passed away less than two months later, on November 21, 2015.
Surgeon's Practices Under Scrutiny
The operation, conducted by orthopaedic consultant Kuldeep Stohr, lasted eight hours and resulted in significant blood loss, a wrongly aligned right hip, and an unstable, unhealed left hip. Nearly a decade later, Jack's case has been referred to a coroner after an independent clinical review found evidence that fatal physical harm was caused by the care provided.
A letter from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to Jack’s mother, Elizabeth Moate, stated that the care did not meet expected standards. The review was part of a broader investigation into Ms Stohr's practices, initiated due to concerns about substandard care.
Widespread Review of Patient Cases
The trust announced in March of last year that it would review the care of almost 700 patients who had undergone planned surgical procedures by Ms Stohr. Concerns about her surgical technique and judgment were raised as early as 2015, with an external review in 2016 highlighting issues that were misunderstood and missed for action.
Jack, who had multiple complex medical needs including epilepsy and limited mobility, was largely confined to a wheelchair but could sit independently and use a walking machine. His mother expressed concerns about the surgery due to his susceptibility to infections and felt pressured into consenting to operations on both hips simultaneously.
Mother's Heartbreaking Account
Elizabeth Moate said, "I’ll never be able to forgive the hospital for what happened. They sent my boy home and he died in agony." She added that she wanted one hip operated on at a time but was pressured into signing the consent form. She is now seeking answers and justice for Jack.
Solicitor Elizabeth Maliakal, representing Ms Moate, noted that Jack's death predates all investigations into Ms Stohr's practice. She argued that had it been properly investigated at the time, action could have been taken sooner, potentially preventing the need to review hundreds of cases. Maliakal has called for a statutory inquiry and a meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to address hospital patient safety issues.
Hospital's Response and Ongoing Review
Dr. Broster of the trust expressed that their thoughts remain with Jack's family and they are providing full support. The trust has passed all details of Jack's care to the coroner and is assisting with the investigation. An external retrospective clinical review, led by Andrew Kennedy KC, into Ms Stohr's cases is ongoing, with findings expected to be published this summer.
Ms Stohr was removed from clinical practice in 2024 and remains suspended. The trust has committed to implementing improvements to ensure such tragedies do not recur, emphasizing their focus on supporting all affected patients and families.
