721 children operated on by Yaser Jabbar at Great Ormond Street Hospital under investigation

Another weekend, and news of another NHS scandal. It seems to be a weekend staple now as regular as pressed coffee, or the millennial avocado on toast.

In the week where Lord Darzi’s report is due to set out the reforms necessary to bring the NHS back to the service level that the public expect, another shocking story has emerged.

Information on the Great Ormond Street Scandal

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is reportedly investigating 721 children seen by Yaser Jabbar, a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon. Jabbar stepped down from his role at GOSH in September 2023 after concerns were raised about his conduct. He had specialised in lower limb reconstruction required by children with congenital deformities.

Of the 721 cases, 37 cases have been reviewed so far by GOSH, of which 22 patients have been found to have suffered some degree of harm.

Many children have been left with legs of different lengths, or in chronic pain. One child has had to have their leg amputated.

It is being reported today by The Sunday Time that an investigation by the Royal College of Surgeons was carried out, with a report produced in October 2023. This report has not been made public, although it is clear that journalists have seen it. As well as criticising Jabbar, reportedly criticisms have been made of the GOSH management team. Given the number of children potentially left with lifelong injuries, this is not acceptable, and the report needs to be made available to the public.

When errors occur in other industries, those involved are not left to undertake investigations into their own conduct. In the airline industry the Air Accident Investigation Branch undertake impartial investigations into accidents. It will be of little reassurance to parents to learn that GOSH are investigating themselves. An independent Inquiry should be ordered so that parents can obtain the full truth, so that lessons can be learned, and so that preventable harm can be avoided in the future.

About the author

Ben Davey is a Senior Associate with Dean Wilson Solicitors. He has specialised in medical injury for over 14 years. He has undertaken high profile cases following NHS errors, and he has been reported in the National news on a number of cases. Ben is ranked in Chambers & Partner & The Legal 500. He acts for victims of medical negligence on a no win no fee basis. He can be contacted at bd@deanwilson.co.uk or on 01273 249200.