The inquiry into the suffering inflicted on patients by failed brain surgeon Sam Eljamel begins today, with victims seeking real justice after years of delay.
Between 1995 and 2013, Eljamel, as head of neurosurgery at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital, left patients paralysed or in chronic pain. One patient, Jules Rose, woke from surgery for a brain tumour to discover the wrong body part had been removed. Others lost careers, marriages, homes and independence.
Campaigners estimate up to 200 people were harmed. Many have lived with the physical and psychological consequences for years while the system that employed him delayed, minimised and, at times, compounded the suffering.
NHS failures under scrutiny
NHS Tayside's failures were not minor. Concerns were raised over Eljamel, but he continued to operate. An internal Scottish Government report already found the board repeatedly let patients down. The recent destruction of 40 theatre logbooks, despite a formal "do not destroy" notice, only deepened distrust.
Lord Weir's inquiry must examine how Eljamel was appointed and supervised, how concerns were handled, whether information was concealed, and whether systems protected patients. The victims deserve transparent findings, meaningful recommendations and proper redress.
Pressure for trial
There must also be strong pressure from the inquiry chair to ensure Eljamel, now believed to be practising in Libya, faces trial in Scotland for his crimes.
As the hearings open, the focus must be on those whose health was wrecked by this charlatan, but the NHS bosses who enabled him to continue causing harm must also be called to account.
Political calls for change
John Swinney has already signalled his intention to slash the number of health boards in Scotland. He could start by emptying out the health bosses who allowed Eljamel to harm so many lives.
