Medical victim heckles First Minister during independence speech

Theresa Mallett's demanding a public enquiry into NHS Tayside after a botched surgery changed her life

The Fife grandmother says she suffers on a daily basis
Author: Kieran BrandPublished 24th Jun 2023

Humza Yousaf's speech on independence in Dundee was interrupted by an SNP party member who was a victim of disgraced surgeon, Sam Eljamel.

Theresa Mallett, from Glenrothes, heckled the First Minister, demanding an inquiry into NHS Tayside over the conduct of the former head of neurosurgery.

Mr Yousaf paused the event to speak to Ms Mallett who was sitting in the audience.

Visibly emotional, the Fife victim told Humza Yousaf she lives in constant pain as a result of a botched surgery to treat her sciatica.

Ms Mallett said: "Eljamel was there for an 18 year period in Dundee, concerns were raised... and they let him go home. Home is in Libya - they'll never get him back.

"The lasting impact on me - 24 hour pain every day for the last 11 years.

"My mobility's rubbish, I have to spend a lot of time in my bed

"I can't work, you lose friends, you lose your social life.

"I had two young grandchildren and the youngest one, I was never able to pick up. I could hold him but he had to be handed to me."

The campaigner said the First Minister agreed to speak to her at a later date about her concerns.

It's despite Mr Yousaf rejecting calls for a public inquiry on Monday, claiming the former neurosurgeon would be unable to answer key questions since he was no longer in the country.

Mr Eljamel repeatedly botched operations on patients and left dozens with life-changing injuries while working in Dundee between 1995 and 2013.

SNP health chief Michael Matheson says he is considering an independent review into the scandal, but campaigners say this does not go far enough.

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