Urgent Review of Over 700 Children at Great Ormond Street

Leaked report criticised orthopaedic service

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is reviewing the cases of more than 700 children after concerns were raised about one of its former surgeons.

The hospital first asked the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) to review its paediatric orthopaedic service in 2022, following concerns raised by staff members and patients’ families.

The review – which was reported by the Sunday Times – comments on the ‘dysfunctional’ wider department and the actions of one former surgeon in particular: Yaser Jabbar.

Jabbar had worked at the hospital’s lower limb reconstruction service from 2017 until September 2023. In this time, he treated over 700 patients, whose cases are now being reviewed as a matter of urgency.

‘Unnecessary’ and ‘unsuitable’ operations on children

GOSH has said that out of the 39 cases reviewed so far, 22 children had come to some degree of harm while being treated at the hospital. Nine of the children affected were classed as suffering ‘low/moderate’ harm and 13 as ‘severe’ – possibly with life-long injuries.

The RCS report detailed one leg-straightening and lengthening surgery carried out by Jabbar, which was found to be ‘incorrect and unsuitable’. But when the six-year-old patient’s parents brought up their concerns with the ex-surgeon, they told the Sunday Times that he was ”very dismissive” of them.

We spoke to our head of legal services Jacqueline Busby about the review:

“Medical negligence is always distressing – but the emotions surrounding such instances are heightened when children are involved.

Medical professionals should be taking the utmost care when treating children – but sadly, in this case, that may not have happened. GOSH is taking the appropriate action in conducting this review but the fact is that children and their families have been seriously affected – many for the rest of their lives.

These headline-making cases are rare. But when they happen, they serve as a reminder that no one is immune to substandard care. And in situations like this, we would hope those affected get all the support they need.”

GOSH is ‘deeply sorry’ to the families affected

GOSH has said it has now contacted all 721 patients affected (or their families). The hospital has also committed to staying in touch with those impacted throughout the review process.

A spokesperson has said the hospital aims to be “open and transparent with families when care falls below the high standards we strive for”. They added that the hospital is “deeply sorry to all patients who received poor care”.