Inquiry reveals patients left disabled after surgeries by former brain surgeon Sam Eljamel
A public inquiry heard that patients of former neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel suffered permanent disabilities, with some allegedly having the wrong body parts removed.
During the first evidential hearings of the Eljamel Inquiry, former MSP Ms Smith described how patients of brain surgeon Sam Eljamel were left with “horrific” disabilities, including cases where the wrong body parts were removed. She criticized the lack of accurate medical notes and said the scandal was broader than initially thought. Campaigner Jules Rose, a former patient, recounted a decade-long fight to expose why NHS Tayside permitted the surgeon to operate for 18 years.
Chair Mr Dawson called the opening a significant milestone but warned that delays in independent clinical reviews would push back some evidence, shifting the December phase to focus on patient and representative testimony. Over 110 cases have been referred for review, yet only one neurological assessment has been submitted so far. An additional solicitor has been funded to accelerate the process, and the inquiry continues before Lord Weir.
