A damning review published by Great Ormond Street Hospital has concluded that nearly one hundred children suffered harm under the care of a former orthopaedic surgeon. The investigation into Yaser Jabbar, who specialised in lower limb reconstruction, covered his work from 2017 to 2022 and revealed alarming findings regarding patient safety.
Severe Harm Cases Highlighted in Report
The report, released on Thursday, detailed that thirty-six children experienced severe harm while being treated by Jabbar. These cases represent the most serious outcomes, raising significant concerns about the standards of care provided during his tenure at the prestigious London hospital.
Breakdown of Harm Levels
In addition to the severe cases, the review identified thirty-nine patients who suffered moderate harm and nineteen who experienced mild harm. This brings the total number of children harmed to ninety-four, underscoring a pattern of issues that persisted over the five-year period.
It is important to note that the study also reported that six hundred and forty-two patients did not come to harm that could be attributed to the surgeon. This figure provides some context, but does not diminish the gravity of the harm inflicted on the affected children.
Surgeon's Current Status
Yaser Jabbar is understood to be living abroad and no longer holds a licence to practise medicine in the United Kingdom. His departure from the UK medical register follows the revelations of the review, which has prompted calls for tighter oversight and accountability in paediatric orthopaedic services.
Implications for Hospital Trust
The findings have cast a shadow over Great Ormond Street Hospital, one of the world's leading children's hospitals. The trust has faced scrutiny over how such harm could occur and what measures are being implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. The report emphasises the need for robust clinical governance and continuous monitoring of surgical outcomes.
This case highlights ongoing challenges within the NHS regarding patient safety and the mechanisms for identifying and addressing substandard care. As more details emerge, the focus will likely shift to systemic reforms and support for the affected families.
