Former surgeon investigated for harmful treatments at hospital
Great Ormond Street reviews care of 700 children under Dr Jabbar
Dean Stalham, the father of a six-year-old girl named Bunty, is among the first to learn that his daughter suffered harm during her treatment by former surgeon Dr Yaser Jabbar. Bunty, born with the rare bone condition neurofibromatosis, had been under hospital care since she was 18 months old. In 2018, she was placed under the care of Dr Jabbar at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
During her time with Dr Jabbar, Bunty underwent several “unsuccessful and painful” surgeries, which ultimately led to the amputation of her leg below the knee. The hospital is now reviewing the care of hundreds of children treated by Dr Jabbar, with 700 cases under investigation. Some families, including Bunty’s, have already received feedback.
The review of Bunty’s care, shared with Sky News, revealed moderate physical and mild psychological harm. Dean Stalham expressed his frustration, stating that Dr Jabbar attempted to save a leg that couldn’t be saved, resulting in unnecessary and failed operations. He described how Dr Jabbar initially presented the surgeries as successful, only for the outcomes to prove otherwise.
Dr. Yaser Jabbar was accused of performing unnecessary surgeries on a young girl with neurofibromatosis, leading to an amputation below the knee. He is no longer practicing in the UK. pic.twitter.com/o9ReIFCos9
— News In 60 Mins (@NewsIn60Mins) October 2, 2024
Dr Jabbar no longer works at the hospital and lost his licence to practise medicine in the UK in January. Bunty’s leg was eventually amputated in 2022, a procedure her father felt should have happened sooner to prevent prolonged pain. Dean Stalham mentioned that Bunty believed her leg would regrow because she was told it was a healthy bone, leading to false hope.
An external report commissioned by Great Ormond Street into Dr Jabbar’s practices and the wider department is set to be shared with affected families, though some parts will be redacted. Caroline Murgatroyd from Hudgell Solicitors, representing some of the families, noted a pattern of poor decision-making and lack of communication regarding treatment options.
Great Ormond Street Hospital issued an apology to Bunty and the affected families, acknowledging that the care provided was not up to standard. The hospital initiated a review by the Royal College of Surgeons into their Paediatric Orthopaedic service in July 2022, aiming to address the findings promptly.
Dr Jabbar has since been working in Dubai but has been suspended following reports of misconduct and malpractice. A spokesperson from CMC Hospital Dubai confirmed the suspension and stated they are awaiting decisions from relevant authorities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What condition was Bunty born with?
Bunty was born with neurofibromatosis, a rare bone condition.
Why was Bunty’s leg amputated?
Bunty’s leg was amputated due to unsuccessful and painful procedures under Dr. Jabbar’s care.
How many cases are being investigated related to Dr. Jabbar?
Around 700 cases are being investigated.
What did Great Ormond Street Hospital say about the situation?
The hospital apologized and stated they are addressing the findings at pace.
What happened to Dr. Jabbar after the allegations?
Dr. Jabbar has been suspended and no longer has a licence to practise medicine in the UK.
