Great Ormond doctor under review still operating on kids in Dubai
Investigation into London doctor reveals severe harm to young patients
A doctor from Great Ormond Street Hospital, implicated in allegedly harming young patients, continues to operate on children in Dubai. The London hospital initiated an investigation after complaints emerged about Dr Yaser Jabbar, who promotes himself as a “limb reconstruction expert.” The investigation is reviewing 721 cases, with 39 examined so far.
Of these cases, 15 patients reportedly suffered no harm, nine experienced “low to moderate harm,” and 13 endured “severe harm,” potentially involving lifelong injuries. The hospital has reached out to all 721 patients or their families, with the review expected to last 18 months.
One case involved a child undergoing an amputation that might have been avoidable with alternative treatment. Other children developed leg length discrepancies post-surgery, necessitating prolonged treatments.
Following a shocking Sunday Times investigation published today, I can exclusively reveal children's surgeon Dr Yaser Jabbar – who used to work at Great Ormond Street – is still operating on kids in Dubai and being described as 'one of the best'https://t.co/bnQPo6XWtA
— Elizabeth Haigh (she/her) (@ElizabethHaighx) September 8, 2024
Dr Jabbar, now based in the United Arab Emirates, continues to work at Clemenceau Medical Center and Orthocure, attending conferences and practising privately.
One alleged victim, a four-month-old, and another child, aged six, experienced severe pain following limb reconstruction surgery by Dr Jabbar. The procedure involves breaking bones, inserting metal frames, and using tension wires to facilitate bone growth. The father of the six-year-old noted the frame used seemed unusual and later became loose, causing pain and misalignment. Despite raising concerns, Dr Jabbar reportedly dismissed them, and the family received no response from the hospital’s complaints process.
Caroline Murgatroyd from Hudgell Solicitors, representing some patients, described the RCS findings as deeply troubling, highlighting unacceptable clinical decisions and poor communication with families. She noted that some surgeries lacked justification and did not benefit the children, with some cases involving potentially avoidable amputations.
A spokesperson for Great Ormond Street Hospital expressed commitment to learning from patient care and transparency when standards fall short. Following staff and family concerns, they commissioned the Royal College of Surgeons to review their paediatric orthopaedic service. They acknowledged the findings and are acting on the recommendations, including reviewing all patients treated by the surgeon.
The hospital emphasised multiple avenues for staff to raise concerns and detailed steps taken after senior management was alerted in June 2022. The Orthopaedic Service Review Improvement Programme has been overseeing patient reviews and broader service improvements since April 2024. The hospital apologised to affected patients and families and assured that all review findings would be addressed promptly, with a focus on maintaining service quality and safety.
Efforts to reach Dr Jabbar and Clemenceau Medical Center for comments were unsuccessful.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Standard reports on the investigation into Yaser Jabbar, a “rogue” surgeon who treated 721 children at Great Ormond Street Hospital, causing life-changing injuries.(read more)
- The Mirror reports on a major investigation at Great Ormond Street Hospital, revealing a “rogue” surgeon who harmed 721 children, leaving some with life-changing injuries and deformities.(read more)
- The Guardian reports that Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has apologized after children suffered severe harm under the care of a surgeon, with 13 patients experiencing severe harm and nine experiencing low/moderate harm.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Dr. Yaser Jabbar?
Dr. Yaser Jabbar is a former Great Ormond Street Hospital doctor now operating in Dubai.
What kind of harm did Dr. Jabbar’s patients suffer?
Patients suffered from deformities, life-changing injuries, leg length discrepancies, and some required amputations.
How many of Dr. Jabbar’s cases are being reviewed?
721 cases are being reviewed, with 39 already examined.
What actions has Great Ormond Street Hospital taken?
The hospital launched an investigation, contacted all affected patients, and is implementing the RCS’s recommendations.
Where is Dr. Jabbar currently practicing?
Dr. Jabbar is currently operating on children in Dubai at Clemenceau Medical Center and Orthocure.
