Great Ormond Street Surgeon Under Scrutiny for Harmful Operations
A surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital is being investigated for performing unnecessary operations on children, causing severe harm in some cases. The hospital has apologized and initiated a review.
Yaser Jabbar, a former surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital, is currently under investigation for conducting a series of operations on children that have been deemed "inappropriate and unnecessary." This development has led to a comprehensive review of the hospital's paediatric orthopaedic service by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS).
The investigation encompasses 721 children treated by Jabbar. Of the 39 cases reviewed thus far, 22 children have been found to have experienced some degree of harm, with 13 cases classified as "severe harm," potentially resulting in lifelong injuries.
One particularly distressing case involved a child undergoing an amputation that, according to the RCS review panel, might have been avoidable with alternative treatment. Other children have suffered leg length discrepancies following surgeries, necessitating years of additional treatment.
Jabbar, who specialized in limb reconstruction, no longer holds a license to practice medicine in the UK as of January 8, 2024. The General Medical Council imposed conditions on his practice on January 4, 2024, including the requirement for constant clinical supervision.
Great Ormond Street Hospital, founded in 1852 as the first hospital in England to provide in-patient beds specifically for children, has contacted all families of children treated by Jabbar and apologized for any "worry and uncertainty" caused by this situation. The hospital, known for its pioneering research and treatment in childhood illnesses, is now facing potential multiple compensation claims.
Caroline Murgatroyd of Hudgell Solicitors, representing some former patients, stated that the initial RCS findings "paint a very worrying picture of the treatment provided to children by Mr Jabbar." She highlighted concerns about unacceptable assessments, poor communication with families, and surgeries that appeared to have no clear justification or benefit for the children.
"The findings so far have been shocking to read and have been very upsetting for our clients."
Great Ormond Street Hospital, which receives over 268,000 patient visits annually and employs more than 4,000 staff, has committed to learning from this experience and improving its standards of care. The hospital spokesperson stated, "We are committed to learning from every single patient that we treat, and to being open and transparent with our families when care falls below the high standards we strive for."
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining high standards in pediatric care, especially in a renowned institution like Great Ormond Street Hospital, which has played a crucial role in the development of pediatrics as a medical specialty.
