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A recent review has revealed that nearly 100 children suffered harm due to the actions of Yaser Jabbar, a limb reconstruction surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). The investigation, conducted by the renowned London hospital, exposed extensive evidence of substandard care connected to multiple botched operations performed by Jabbar during his tenure from 2017 to 2022.
Throughout these five years, Jabbar treated 789 children, with 94 identified as having been harmed. The majority of those affected—91 children—were directly operated on by him. His specialty involved complex limb-lengthening and reconstructive surgeries for young patients. While the procedures, often involving the use of metal plates, bone grafts, and implants, inherently carry significant risks, the review found that Jabbar’s surgical standards fell short in numerous areas, contributing to the harm sustained by many patients. Although it was not possible to establish whether every instance of harm could have been prevented, the hospital acknowledged that Jabbar’s practices were below acceptable levels, resulting in avoidable damage.
The report detailed several troubling issues, including premature removal of bone fixation devices, surgeries undertaken without clear indications, errors with bone pinning, and incorrect cutting of bones at improper locations. Criticism was also directed at the management and identification of complications. More than 25% of Jabbar’s operated patients experienced harm, with 35 cases classed as severe. One child suffered severe harm unrelated to surgery. While the report did not disclose specific patient stories, families of those affected have shared their heartbreaking experiences publicly. For example, a girl named Bunty, who was born with a rare bone condition causing deformity and shortening of her left leg, underwent numerous surgeries by Jabbar and ultimately required the amputation of her lower left leg—a harm classified as moderate. Bunty’s father, Dean Stalham, described the report’s findings as “too little, too late,” expressing frustration that these issues were not identified earlier.
Another parent, Lizzie Roberts, whose son Tate underwent surgery performed by Jabbar at age 16 to address complications from a prior road accident, criticized the hospital’s review process, calling it akin to “marking its own homework.” She said her son has suffered continuous pain following an operation on his ankle, which was done without consent since the plan was to operate only on his knee. This unnecessary surgery has forced him to leave college and face further operations, his case also categorized as causing moderate harm. Both families have requested a police investigation. The Metropolitan Police have stated they will examine the report’s findings to determine the need for further action. Jabbar, who completed his medical training in the UK, is understood to be living abroad now and no longer holds a UK medical licence.
The hospital initiated this thorough investigation in early 2024, involving independent doctors who reviewed patient records, with GOSH itself producing and publishing the final report. It followed an earlier review by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), prompted by a staff member’s concerns. This previous evaluation revealed serious issues around workplace culture, describing it as “toxic,” with some staff expressing alarm over poor care standards and deeming some surgeries on children as “inappropriate” and “incorrect.” In response, NHS England’s London region has launched its own assessment of how GOSH managed the situation. The hospital has already implemented some recommendations from the RCS, including enhanced training on complaint handling, increased support for whistle-blowers, and encouraging surgeons to consult with the National Royal Orthopaedic Hospital regarding the most complex cases.
Prior to the concerns raised in June 2022, the hospital had received seven complaints about Jabbar and investigated one serious incident, which had been reviewed and signed off by NHS England. However, these instances did not trigger further inquiry at the time. Moreover, surgeon Sarah McMahon, who worked alongside Jabbar, reportedly raised red flags with management as early as autumn 2021, warning of problematic practices. Yet, according to a parliamentary statement by MP Dame Meg Hillier, McMahon’s concerns were not addressed then.
Matthew Shaw, chief executive of GOSH, described the situation as the bleakest day in the hospital’s history. He expressed deep regret for the harm caused but maintained that the hospital acted rapidly once issues were brought to light. Recognizing the highly specialized nature of the surgical field involved—where only a limited number of surgeons work across the NHS—he acknowledged that identifying problems could be particularly challenging. Shaw concluded with hope that publishing the report would mark the beginning of restoring trust among families who depend on GOSH for vital and often life-changing care
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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