Concerns over patient treatment by disgraced bone surgeon Mr Yaser Jabbar

Investigation into Mr Yaser Jabbar, disgraced former orthopaedic surgeon

In recent news we have witnessed the damning story of disgraced former surgeon Mr Yaser Jabbar and the alleged negligent orthopaedic surgeries he carried out on children. It is reported he worked across no less than five London hospitals who are now carrying out their own internal investigations.

Each family was promised an individual report into the care their child received and these reports are now being provided. It has become clear that the investigations carried out are seriously flawed and raise grave concerns about the validity of their conclusions.

Our medical negligence expert James Anderson shares his thoughts on the unfolding orthopaedic negligence story, a topic sure to continue being of high prominence in the media. 

Children left with serious issues following orthopaedic negligence

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) had said that they would review the care of 723 patients treated by Mr Jabbar and each would receive an independent report. In addition to GOSH, four other London-based hospitals are now under examination in relation to the surgeries performed by Mr Jabbar. 

From the GOSH investigation thus far, we know 13 children from the first 37 reviewed at the hospital have come to ‘serious harm’. It has previously been claimed that some young patients were left with drastically different leg lengths and needing amputations.” (Mail).  

This follows on from the external review of GOSH’s paediatric orthopaedic service (commissioned by the hospital itself) in 2022 after concerns were raised by families and staff. 

According to Sky News, one family saw their daughter undergo several unsuccessful, negligent orthopaedic surgeries by Mr Jabbar, that prolonged the pain she was already in from her rare neurofibromatosis condition, resulting in her needing a lower leg amputation. Mr Jabbar was apparently “trying to save a leg that couldn’t be saved” and did in fact cause the patient “moderate physical and mild psychological harm” (Sky). 

Other children have needed lower leg amputations following “botched” negligent surgeries from Mr Jabbar, which left many of them with misalignment in their legs. 

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Key points in the report

The BBC reports that the information is now being received by families. From the families the BBC has spoken with the reports are being described as a “whitewash” and a “final insult.” Many of the reports were concluded without any interviews or interaction with the family or patient according to the BBC.

When more families come forward with their comments, we sadly expect there to be a substantial number of instances of poor care resulting in surgical negligence suffered by children and their families.

There will of course be further statistics from the other four London hospitals now involved and comments from their investigating bodies. It is our hope, like with any serious medical care investigation, that learnings can be made and put into practice to make sure patient safety is never compromised and surgical negligence is kept to a minimum.

Comments from James Anderson

“This is yet another example of rogue clinicians being left unchecked to cause significant harm. The NHS does not seem to be learning any lessons from these types of scenarios to prevent systematic harm to patients. We had grave concerns about the ability of the NHS to investigate itself fairly and thoroughly and sadly given the initial comments from families receiving these reports are fears were well founded.

From the information available it appears GOSH have prepared reports into clinical care using the notes prepared by the individual in question without conducting any further interviews to establish the accuracy of those notes, this will undoubtedly lead to incorrect conclusions. Failure to involve the patients in this investigation process shows a complete lack of empathy by the Trust and goes against the NHS ethos of putting the patient first.

At Lime Solicitors we have a proven record of fighting for transparency and getting answers for patients when the NHS have failed to provide them. We would encourage any of the families involved that are not confident in the contents of the report to seek legal advice.”

Orthopaedic negligence claims – how we can help

Our team of experts helps many children and families who have suffered orthopaedic negligence at the hands of medical professionals. We understand the emotional and financial impact these cases can have, and do everything we can to achieve the best possible outcomes for anyone who seeks our help.