Inquiry into Rogue Surgeon Sam Eljamel Commences
A major public inquiry into the actions of disgraced neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel is now underway, with opening statements being heard in Edinburgh. The probe, formally established earlier this year by Scotland's Health Secretary Neil Gray, will scrutinise how the surgeon was able to practise for years despite serious concerns about his conduct.
The Career and Harm Caused by Sam Eljamel
Mr Eljamel served as head of neurosurgery at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital from 1995 until his suspension in December 2013. During this nearly two-decade tenure, he is believed to have harmed dozens of patients, with many suffering life-changing injuries. Following his suspension, the surgeon resigned from his post in May 2014 and removed himself from the General Medical Register the following year.
The Scope and Schedule of the Public Inquiry
The Eljamel Inquiry, announced by the Scottish Government in September 2023, will examine several critical areas. Its remit includes investigating how NHS Tayside responded to concerns raised about Mr Eljamel and whether the systems designed to protect patients were adequate.
On Wednesday, opening statements were delivered by key legal representatives, including Jamie Dawson KC, senior counsel to the inquiry, and Joanna Cherry KC for the patient group. Statements were also made by Una Doherty KC for NHS Tayside and Laura Thomson KC for Scottish ministers.
Further statements are scheduled for Thursday from organisations including Healthcare Improvement Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland, and the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh).
Mr Dawson also outlined plans for future hearings, with the first block of evidential hearings, known as Section One, set to begin in 2026. This phase will examine the background to the inquiry's terms of reference, including the roles of key bodies and individuals. It will also investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Eljamel's appointment as a consultant neurosurgeon at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee in 1995 and the complaints systems in place at NHS Tayside.
