Dr Iuliu Stan, who worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospital between 2015 and 2020, was struck off in 2024 after being found guilty of misconduct by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal, which concluded he had ‘preyed' on male patients, including minors, for his own ‘sexual gratification'.

A spokesperson for the Royal Cornwall Hospital said: ‘We have written to affected individuals to admit liability for the actions of Dr Stan and to offer an unreserved apology to victims.

‘We are deeply sorry for the distress caused by his serious professional misconduct and his abuse of the trust placed in him by patients. Whilst we must follow due legal process, we will be doing everything we can to bring investigations and claims made by his victims to an early conclusion.'

The trust has proposed an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process involving its lawyers and solicitors representing former patients to resolve claims relating to the actions of Dr Stan. It has also advised that support services for those affected by Dr Stan's actions are available and detailed on their website: Enquiries regarding Dr Iuliu Stan | Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.

The initial investigation and tribunal highlighted the cases of 37 patients who were contacted in January 2024. A further undisclosed number of former patients were written to in summer 2024 to be informed they may also have received inappropriate treatment from the same doctor.

Rachel Pearce, head of personal injury and clinical negligence at Coodes Solicitors, which is representing victims, said: ‘We commend the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust for making full admissions of liability so quickly and for their unreserved apology to the patients and families affected by Dr Stan's actions. This is a critical step forward in ensuring justice and accountability.'