Neurosurgeon's Operating Privileges Maintained amidst Incompetence Probe

author: FutureCar Staff    

The NHS has come under fire for putting patients at risk by allowing a disgraced neurosurgeon to operate on them unsupervised, even after he was placed under investigation for suspected incompetence. NHS Tayside has admitted that Prof Sam Eljamel carried out 111 procedures despite concerns over his performance, and that he was inadequately monitored. This failure put the patients at potential risk of harm.

Complaints were received from nine patients, and two legal claims were made, both of which were settled. Previous cases involving Prof Eljamel have resulted in lifelong injuries for patients due to botched procedures. A review conducted by the health board also revealed that an investigation into his actions was dropped in 2014 when he retired, and he was quietly removed from the medical register without further action.

The alleged victims of Prof Eljamel are demanding a public inquiry into how he was able to continue working for so long despite a history of errors. One patient was left with PTSD after the surgeon removed a tear gland instead of a tumor, while another discovered years later that the intended surgery was not carried out, resulting in scar tissue that prevents the procedure from being done now.

Prof Eljamel worked at NHS Tayside from 1995 until his suspension in December 2013, after which he retired. However, he resumed working as a surgeon abroad after fleeing Britain and returning to Libya. The report from NHS Tayside acknowledged that the supervision arrangements were inadequate and placed the patients at potential risk of harm.

Opposition parties have supported calls for a full public inquiry, but the Scottish Government has refused to order one, citing time constraints. The review found that internal procedures failed to identify concerns about the surgeon's actions until a patient complaint triggered a significant clinical event analysis. Restrictions were placed on his clinical practice in 2013, but he was allowed to continue operating on patients unsupervised despite probity concerns raised by an interim finding from the Royal College of Surgeons review.

Scottish Labour's deputy leader, Dame Jackie Baillie, has called for those responsible for the scandal to be held accountable and has demanded a full public inquiry. The SNP health secretary, Michael Matheson, acknowledged the failings in NHS Tayside's response and emphasized the need for an independent investigation to support those affected and ensure that lessons are learned.

FutureCar Staff