In a move towards transparency and accountability, Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is set to release a comprehensive report on the actions of disgraced orthopaedic surgeon Yaser Jabbar. The report, scheduled for release on 29 January, will shed light on the severe harm caused to hundreds of children under Jabbar’s care over a period of approximately five years.
The hospital has already reached out to affected families, offering sincere apologies and acknowledging the distress and impact they have endured. GOSH’s chief executive, Matthew Shaw, has expressed the hospital’s commitment to rebuilding the trust that has been broken, stating, “We have had many conversations with patients and families, and we know nothing we can do can make up for the experiences you have had and the impact it has had on you.”
The upcoming report is the result of a review of 789 children treated at GOSH, as well as patients from the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and three private hospitals: The Portland Hospital, Cromwell Hospital, and St John and St Elizabeth Hospital London. The review has uncovered instances of “incorrect” and “unsuitable” surgeries performed by Jabbar, leading to chronic pain, deformities, and nerve damage in some of the affected children.
Jabbar, who is understood to be living abroad, no longer holds a license to practice medicine in the UK. The Metropolitan Police has stated that it will study the upcoming report, but has not yet received any criminal allegations.
GOSH has assured families that the report will provide a comprehensive account of what happened under Jabbar’s care and the improvements the hospital has implemented. The hospital has also indicated that families can contact the police if they wish to do so.
This case highlights the importance of robust oversight and accountability within the healthcare system. GOSH’s commitment to transparency and its efforts to support affected families are crucial steps in addressing the harm caused and regaining public trust.
