A prominent UK children’s hospital issued an apology following a report revealing that approximately 94 children were harmed by a negligent orthopaedic surgeon. Great Ormond Street Hospital expressed deep regret after an investigation into the actions of surgeon Yaser Jabbar, who treated hundreds of children between 2017 and 2022. The review disclosed that 36 children suffered severe harm due to Jabbar’s substandard surgical practices.

The independent experts highlighted significant deficiencies in Jabbar’s surgeries, resulting in harm, pain, and the need for additional procedures among many patients. While most children were unaffected, 98 patients (12.4%) experienced some level of harm, with 39 facing moderate harm and 19 experiencing mild harm. Instances of harm ranged from minor issues like unnecessary anesthesia to severe complications such as delayed diagnosis and unsuccessful surgeries.

Primarily focusing on lower limb reconstruction, Jabbar operated on 91 of the affected children. The report identified serious issues including inadequate pre-surgery planning, instability during procedures, incomplete records, and errors in implant placement. Other concerns involved incorrect bone incisions, discrepancies between surgical decisions and scan findings, improper use of frames and pins, and insufficient collaboration in managing infections.

Jabbar is currently residing abroad and no longer holds a medical practice license in the UK. Matthew Shaw, the CEO of Great Ormond Street Hospital, expressed deep remorse for the impact on patients and their families, outlining the hospital’s comprehensive response to prevent similar incidents. The hospital has implemented significant changes within its orthopaedic department and overall operations to enhance patient safety and prevent future occurrences, acknowledging that these improvements come too late for those affected but are essential for the well-being of all current and future patients.