Public inquiry into disgraced NHS Tayside surgeon professor Eljamel could be announced
The Health Secretary is set to make a Parliamentary statement this afternoon
Last updated 7th Sep 2023
The Health Secretary could announce a public inquiry into the disgraced former NHS Tayside surgeon Professor Sam Eljamel later.
Michael Matheson is set to make a statement to Parliament this afternoon following a long-running campaign by former patients harmed by the doctor.
There are signs that their demands are being listened to after the lead campaigner for a public inquiry, Jules Rose, was invited to meet the Health Secretary prior to today's announcement.
Yesterday, Ms Rose lead a protest outside Holyrood, where she told us patients would not give up in their quest for answers.
She said, "First Minister, we are not going away. We are continuing to campaign for this public inquiry."
"Please do the right thing for all these patients that have been severely, severely harmed."
"Not just these patients but for the people of Scotland and our NHS health care in Scotland."
Background
Professor Sam Eljamel is currently believed to be operating in Libya after he was suspended from NHS Tayside in 2013.
Michael Matheson said a recent due diligence report from NHS Tayside into the former consultant neurosurgeon raised "serious issues of concern".
Campaigners, many of whom suffered life-changing injuries, believe more than 200 patients may have been harmed by Prof Eljamel, who worked for the Tayside health board between 1995 and 2013, when he was suspended following three months of "indirect supervision".
That supervision was deemed "inadequate" by the NHS Tayside report released last week, and he may have operated on more than 100 patients during that complaint process.
His victims have repeatedly called on Scottish ministers to commit to a public inquiry, however First Minister Humza Yousaf has said the preferred method of investigation would be an independent review which would provide answers quicker.
He also said a potential public inquiry would not be able to compel Prof Eljamel to attend and face questions.
Mr Matheson has now said he believes the rogue surgeon should "be brought to account" for the harm caused to patients.
He said the Scottish Government has extradition procedures in place with Libya which could be used depending on a police investigation.
NHS Tayside's response
In a statement, the health board said:
"NHS Tayside apologises to former patients of the surgeon and remains committed to do whatever is required to support the independent commission which is being set up by Scottish Government to respond to patients’ ongoing concerns.
“Over the past few months, we have been encouraging any former patients who have concerns to get in touch with our dedicated Patient Liaison Response Team at TAY.patientliaisonresponse@nhs.scot and we continue to ask anyone with concerns to please get in touch.”