As discussed in our recent article concerning the review into disgraced Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Yaser Jabbar, an investigation into the care that he provided to children is ongoing and it has now been widened to cover private and NHS work by him in five London Hospitals in respect of both adults and children. The hospitals now being reviewed concerning his care by the Royal College of Surgeons, further to the request for review by Great Ormond Street, are:

• St John and St Elizabeth Hospital
• Cromwell Hospital
• Portland Hospital
• Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
• Great Ormond Street Hospital

The widening of the investigation reflects the extremely worrying findings from the review so far, with the Royal College of Surgeons concluding that children had ‘incorrect’ and ‘unsuitable’ orthopaedic surgery under Mr Jabbar at Great Ormond Street.

However, it appears that it was not just an issue of there being a rogue surgeon acting in isolation; instead, there seems to a wider issue involving the culture in the hospitals generally, which is permitting such substandard care to take place. As well as raising issues surrounding Mr Jabbar, the review has raised concerns in respect of the complex lower limb reconstruction unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital generally, stating that they had “not been delivering a safe service for patients”. The issues raised include:

A lack of a cohesive, united and functional team and department

Lack of direction and effective management and leadership”.

Regarding the working culture, which was described as “toxic” and involved unacceptable and unprofessional behaviours, including verbal aggression.

It is hoped that, by widening the investigation, there will be transparency for all patients of Mr Jabbar, which would be the first step in them getting the answers and justice that they deserve. The investigation however can only go so far and it will not in itself lead to the payment of compensation to fund much needed medical treatment and support for those who have suffered, such as rehabilitation, aids and equipment, care services and property adaptation. This is where a medical negligence claim can assist.

Our Medical Negligence team have extensive experience in representing both children and adults who have experienced negligent orthopaedic surgery care and have secured substantial sums of compensation to help with their futures.

If you or your child has received treatment from Yaser Jabbar, or indeed any other surgeon, and you feel that the surgery was not conducted to an appropriate standard, please contact our Medical Negligence team on 01482 323697 to discuss how we can help.