The investigation into disgraced bone surgeon Mr. Yaser Jabbar has been broadened to include his work at five London hospitals, both private and NHS, as concerns about his medical practice mount. A total of 721 patients’ care is currently under review following allegations of improper and unsuitable surgical procedures.
Hospitals Under Scrutiny
The latest expansion of the inquiry now covers St John and St Elizabeth Hospital and Cromwell Hospital, both private institutions, in addition to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, and the Portland Hospital. The investigation was sparked by a leaked report from the Royal College of Surgeons, which revealed that several children had undergone “incorrect” and “unsuitable” orthopaedic surgeries at GOSH, leading to life-altering conditions and severe harm.
Damning Findings at Great Ormond Street Hospital
The report highlights serious failings in the care provided by Mr. Jabbar at GOSH, one of the UK’s leading children’s hospitals. Many young patients suffered permanent damage after receiving incorrect orthopaedic surgeries. The findings have prompted lawyers representing affected families to call for full transparency and an in-depth review of his work at other hospitals.
Caroline Murgatroyd, a solicitor with Hudgell Solicitors, expressed concerns about the lack of documentation regarding Mr. Jabbar’s decision-making process at GOSH, as well as his failure to consult with colleagues and parents before carrying out surgeries. This has raised alarms about the governance and management of the hospital’s orthopaedic department.
Expanding the Investigation
Murgatroyd welcomed the investigation’s widening scope and questioned how Mr. Jabbar was managed across other hospitals. “It will be interesting to see if any concerns were raised at these locations while he was treating children,” she said.
Response from St John and St Elizabeth Hospital and Cromwell Hospital
St John and St Elizabeth Hospital confirmed that Mr. Jabbar performed three adult inpatient procedures between October 2020 and January 2023 while holding practising privileges there. The hospital reported no concerns with his practice and is collaborating with GOSH to assist in the ongoing review.
Cromwell Hospital revealed that Mr. Jabbar operated on 12 adults and six children during his time at the facility but noted that no complaints had been made. Since concerns about Mr. Jabbar came to light, Cromwell Hospital has proactively reached out to all patients and is maintaining contact throughout the investigation.
Commitment to High Standards
Both hospitals have stressed their commitment to the highest standards of patient care. As investigations proceed, they are working closely with the NHS and other providers to ensure that the concerns regarding Mr. Jabbar’s practices are thoroughly addressed.
The findings of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for patient safety and the oversight of surgical practices across both NHS and private healthcare providers.