A review has found that nearly 100 children suffered harm from botched operations carried out by disgraced limb reconstruction surgeon Yaser Jabbar at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). The investigation concluded that there was widespread evidence of unacceptable practice, with 94 patients harmed, including 36 who suffered severe harm.
The report highlighted that patients were left in pain, with many requiring further surgery. More than a quarter of Jabbar's patients came to harm, and proper consent was not obtained in some cases. The surgeon had an "unjustified preference for certain surgical techniques including unconventional or unrecognised procedures."
Among the cases, one girl named Bunty, who underwent multiple operations by Jabbar, eventually had to have her lower leg amputated. The report did not detail individual cases, but families have previously spoken about their children's experiences. In addition to the 36 severe harm cases, 39 patients suffered moderate harm and 19 mild harm.
Jabbar, who is believed to live abroad and no longer holds a UK medical licence, has not commented on the findings. The Metropolitan Police is reviewing the report to consider launching an investigation. GOSH CEO Matthew Shaw apologised, saying the hospital is "profoundly sorry" and has made significant changes to prevent a recurrence.
The report noted that 642 patients did not come to harm attributable to Jabbar, but his practice was substandard in many areas, causing harm. Issues included poor planning, incorrect implant placement, and over-reliance on junior staff. Concerns had been raised since 2017, with seven complaints and one serious incident investigated in 2021.
