Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is renowned worldwide for its pioneering work in pediatric healthcare. However, recent concerns have placed the hospital at the center of a major review into its orthopedic services. Dr. Yaser Jabbar, a former consultant orthopedic surgeon at the hospital, is at the heart of this investigation. The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) is conducting a thorough examination of over 700 cases treated by Dr. Jabbar after numerous allegations were made about his clinical practice.

Who Is Dr. Yaser Jabbar?

Dr. Yaser Jabbar is a former consultant orthopedic surgeon who specializes in pediatric limb reconstruction at Great Ormond Street Hospital. He had a particular focus on complex surgeries involving children’s bones and limbs, but it is his practice that has come under scrutiny following complaints about the outcomes of his treatments. He is reported to have performed surgeries that were allegedly unnecessary and harmful to the children involved. His medical license was revoked by the General Medical Council (GMC) earlier this year, and he no longer practices medicine in the UK​.

The Review of Dr. Jabbar’s Cases

Great Ormond Street Hospital launched an urgent review of Dr. Jabbar’s work following concerns raised by both hospital staff and the families of patients. This review, which is being led by the RCS, covers over 700 cases. Early findings have revealed troubling results. In some instances, children underwent surgeries that, according to the review panel, were not medically justified and led to severe harm. Some children reportedly suffered life-long injuries, including nerve damage and complications from amputations that could have been avoided​.

One of the most concerning cases involved a child who underwent an amputation after a series of surgeries that were deemed unnecessary. Other patients experienced leg length discrepancies, which will require extended medical treatment to correct​. This has raised serious questions about Dr. Jabbar’s decision-making processes, his communication with families, and his overall approach to pediatric orthopedics.

What Went Wrong in Dr. Jabbar’s Practice?

According to the findings from the RCS review, Dr. Jabbar’s practices involved several troubling aspects. These included inadequate clinical assessments, poor communication with patients’ families about the risks of surgery, and failures in documenting medical decisions. The review also noted that some procedures were carried out despite there being no clear medical benefit for the children involved. These factors have led to allegations of malpractice and have caused widespread concern among those affected​. The hospital trust has publicly apologized to the families impacted by these surgeries. They have acknowledged the harm caused and have expressed regret over the uncertainty the review has caused for the families​.

Impact on the Hospital and Legal Consequences

The fallout from these findings is significant for both Great Ormond Street Hospital and the families involved. The hospital is now facing multiple compensation claims from affected families. Legal representatives for some of the patients have described the situation as a “nightmare,” with many children suffering irreversible harm that will require ongoing medical care​.

The hospital has promised to act on all the recommendations provided by the RCS, including reviewing the practices of other staff and ensuring that stricter measures are in place for future pediatric surgeries. The ongoing review also involves independent experts from other pediatric hospitals to assess the broader implications for GOSH’s orthopedic services​.

The Future of Pediatric Orthopedics at Great Ormond Street Hospital

In response to the allegations, Great Ormond Street Hospital has committed to improving its standards and oversight in pediatric orthopedic care. The trust has pledged to make changes to its decision-making processes and improve communication with families. The hospital is also working to rebuild trust with the public and with the families who have been affected by these incidents​. The review of Dr. Jabbar’s cases is still ongoing, and more findings are expected in the coming months. As the investigation progresses, the hospital remains focused on ensuring that such incidents do not happen again, and that its reputation for providing world-class care to children is restored.

The Controversy Surrounding Dr. Yaser Jabbar

Dr. Jabbar was under scrutiny after multiple complaints were raised by both hospital staff and patient families. The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) conducted a review into GOSH’s pediatric orthopedic services, and as part of that review, concerns were identified regarding the treatment provided by Dr. Jabbar. The nature of the concerns included allegations that some surgeries were either unnecessary or improperly performed, resulting in lasting harm to young patients. These included cases of leg length discrepancies and nerve injuries, some of which required additional surgeries​.

In response to these findings, Great Ormond Street Hospital launched a comprehensive investigation, offering reassurance to affected families that their children’s care would be independently reviewed. It was revealed that Dr. Jabbar had been placed under restrictions by the General Medical Council (GMC), requiring him to have a clinical supervisor at all times​.

FAQs

Who is Dr. Yaser Jabbar?

Dr. Yaser Jabbar is a former consultant orthopedic surgeon who worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), a renowned children’s hospital in London. He was recognized as an expert in limb reconstruction and performed numerous surgeries on children during his tenure. However, concerns have been raised regarding the safety and quality of his medical practices.

Has Dr. Jabbar been removed from his position?

Yes, Dr. Jabbar is no longer working at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Following the concerns raised and the ongoing investigations, it was revealed that he had not held a license to practice medicine in the UK since January 2024​.

What compensation is available for the affected families?

Legal representatives are currently working with families to explore compensation claims, especially for cases involving severe harm or long-term disabilities. Families are encouraged to reach out to solicitors who specialize in medical negligence to discuss potential claims​.

What kind of harm have children suffered from Dr. Jabbar’s surgeries?

Children treated by Dr. Jabbar have suffered a range of issues, from nerve damage to severe physical deformities. Some have experienced limb length discrepancies, which will require ongoing medical interventions. In one particularly disturbing case, a child had to undergo an amputation, which experts believe could have been avoided with a different treatment approach​.

In Summary

The situation surrounding Dr. Yaser Jabbar and Great Ormond Street Hospital is a complex and deeply concerning one. While the hospital has acknowledged the issues and is taking steps to address them, the impact on the families involved cannot be overstated. 

This case highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and communication in the healthcare system, especially when it comes to the vulnerable children treated at world-renowned institutions like Great Ormond Street. As the review continues, it is hoped that the lessons learned will help prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

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