**
A comprehensive review conducted by Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has revealed that 94 children were harmed during their treatment by consultant orthopaedic surgeon Yaser Jabbar, who specialised in lower limb reconstruction. This distressing report, released on Thursday, highlights the serious ramifications of medical negligence and the urgent need for oversight in paediatric care.
Details of the Review
Mr Jabbar, who was active between 2017 and 2022, treated a total of 723 young patients. The findings of the review indicate that 36 of these children suffered severe harm, while 39 experienced moderate harm, and 19 were affected by mild harm. Remarkably, the review also identified that 642 patients under his care did not experience any harm directly linked to his medical practices.
The troubling findings have raised significant concerns about the quality of care provided to vulnerable children at one of the UK’s most renowned children’s hospitals. The review has prompted discussions around the protocols in place for monitoring surgical outcomes and the processes followed when allegations of malpractice arise.
Surgeon’s Current Status
Currently, Yaser Jabbar is believed to be residing abroad and has relinquished his medical licence to practise in the UK. This development raises questions about accountability and the measures in place to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The hospital has committed to reviewing and improving its practices to ensure the safety and well-being of its patients.
The Path Forward
In light of these findings, GOSH has initiated a thorough examination of its procedures and patient care standards. The hospital aims to bolster its oversight mechanisms, ensuring that future surgical practices are conducted with the utmost safety and professionalism. This incident underscores the critical importance of transparency in healthcare and the need for rigorous standards to protect patients, particularly children.
Why it Matters
The revelations from this review are alarming and highlight a troubling breach of trust between healthcare providers and the families they serve. With 94 children harmed, the implications extend far beyond the individuals affected; they resonate throughout the entire healthcare system, raising vital questions about patient safety and the mechanisms in place to safeguard the most vulnerable. As GOSH seeks to rectify these issues, it is imperative that the lessons learned from this tragic situation lead to systemic changes that prioritise the health and safety of children in medical care.
