A damning review into the actions of a former Great Ormond Street Hospital orthopaedic surgeon has concluded that nearly one hundred children suffered harm under his care. The hospital, a world-renowned centre for paediatric medicine, published the findings on Thursday following an extensive investigation.
Severe Harm in Dozens of Cases
The report focused on the work of Yaser Jabbar, who specialised in lower limb reconstruction and treated hundreds of young patients between 2017 and 2022. It categorised the harm inflicted, revealing a deeply troubling pattern. Thirty-six children were found to have suffered severe harm while under Jabbar's care. A further 39 patients experienced what has been classified as moderate harm, and an additional 19 cases were identified as mild harm.
Total Impact and Broader Patient Cohort
This brings the total number of patients harmed to 94. The review's scope was comprehensive, examining Jabbar's entire practice during the specified period. In a contrasting finding, the study also reported that 642 patients did not come to any harm that could be directly attributed to the surgeon's actions. This figure highlights the complex nature of the case, involving a large patient cohort where outcomes varied significantly.
The surgeon is now understood to be living abroad and no longer holds a licence to practise medicine in the United Kingdom. The hospital has committed to implementing the review's recommendations to strengthen patient safety protocols and oversight mechanisms for all clinical staff.
This incident raises serious questions about clinical governance and the safeguarding of vulnerable paediatric patients within one of the NHS's most prestigious institutions. Further details from the report and the hospital's response are expected to be released in the coming days.
