An extensive review by Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has revealed alarming surgical failures by former limb reconstruction surgeon Yaser Jabbar, affecting nearly 100 children during his tenure from 2017 to 2022. The investigation, initiated in response to serious concerns raised by hospital staff, highlights a disturbing pattern of unacceptable practices that have led to significant harm for many young patients.
Investigation Findings
The report from GOSH indicates that out of 789 children treated by Jabbar, 94 suffered complications, with 91 of those being directly linked to surgical procedures he performed. Jabbar specialised in complex limb-lengthening and reconstruction surgeries, a field that inherently carries high risks, such as inserting metal plates and performing bone grafts. While some complications are expected in these high-risk operations, the hospital’s findings suggest that many of the harms were avoidable and stemmed from substandard surgical practices.
Though the investigation did not disclose individual case details, it has been reported that one patient, a young girl named Bunty, faced multiple surgeries that ultimately resulted in the amputation of her lower leg. The hospital’s report underscores that the methods employed by Jabbar included premature removal of fixation devices and poor decision-making regarding surgical procedures.
Culture of Concern
The inquiry into Jabbar’s practices began in 2024, following a review conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) that raised serious concerns about the working culture within the hospital. This review, although not published in full, suggested a “toxic” environment and indicated that some surgeries performed on children were deemed “inappropriate” and “incorrect.”
The report brought to light that over a quarter of the patients Jabbar operated on experienced harm, including 35 cases of severe complications. The Metropolitan Police are currently assessing the findings to determine if further investigation is warranted.
Hospital Response and Future Actions
In response to the findings, GOSH has committed to implementing recommendations from the RCS report, which include enhanced training for handling complaints, bolstered whistle-blowing support for staff, and a protocol for discussing complex cases with the National Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.
Before the concerns were raised in June 2022, GOSH acknowledged it had received seven complaints about Jabbar, investigating one serious incident which was approved by NHS England. However, the trust maintained that none of these complaints indicated a need for more extensive action.
GOSH’s chief executive, Matthew Shaw, expressed profound regret for the distress caused by Jabbar’s actions, describing this moment as the “bleakest day” in the hospital’s history. Shaw noted that the highly specialised nature of the surgeries made it more difficult to identify issues with practice but affirmed the hospital’s commitment to regaining the trust of families reliant on their expertise.
Why it Matters
The revelations surrounding Yaser Jabbar’s surgical practices at Great Ormond Street Hospital raise critical questions about patient safety and the accountability of medical professionals. As families place their trust in paediatric care, the need for stringent oversight and a supportive culture within healthcare institutions has never been more apparent. This case not only highlights the importance of addressing concerns raised by medical staff but also reinforces the necessity for continuous improvement and transparency in surgical practices to protect the most vulnerable patients.
