Our position on the latest GOSH report, concerning Mr Yaser Jabbar

The Royal College of Surgeon (RCS) review and investigation into Paediatric Orthopaedic Services at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and  Mr Yaser Jabbar and his treatment of patients across a number of hospitals, continues on. 

GOSH have previously confirmed that they were completing a further review into the treatment provided by Mr Jabbar OR his Resident Doctors to determine whether there were additional patients who have suffered harm, physical or psychological as a result of treatment provided by Mr Jabbar or GOSH Resident Doctors.  

GOSH have today published this report in which they have confirmed that most of the children were not harmed by the care they had received.  

A review of almost 800 patients

However, 98 patients experienced some level of harm and of these, 94 of these cases were linked specifically to Mr Jabbar. They have confirmed that harm gradings ranged from mild, such as an unnecessary general anaesthetic, to severe gradings for situations such as delayed diagnosis of complications or surgery that did not achieve the intended outcome.   

Total harm numbers confirm following a review of 789 of Mr Jabbar’s patients, the following figures;  

• No harm – 638 patients  

• Mild harm- 20 patients  

• Moderate harm- 40 patients  

• Severe harm- 38 patients  

• Unable to determine- 53 patients  

The review further found several recurring problems including that some patient records were unclear or incomplete, consent discussions were not always fully recorded, decisions about surgery were not always well document and alternative treatment options were not explained.  

A comment from Great Ormond Street

Great Ormond Street have stated;  

“GOSH is deeply sorry what the children and their families affected by this review have experienced and the lasting impact that this may have”  

It is further worth noting that Mr Jabbar worked both for the NHS and privately at other London Hospitals and therefore some patients have been treated by him at GOSH and elsewhere.  

Response from our specialist team

Sarah Low, Team Leader within the Group Actions department at Fletchers Solicitors has said;  

“We welcome the findings of this further report from GOSH, but what is clear is that the impact of Mr Jabbar and treatment at GOSH, coupled with the impact of this review, will continue for the foreseeable future for the patients and their families. The review itself has placed a emotional burden on those affected, whether or not it has been concluded that they suffered ‘harm’ as a result of their treatment. To put your trust into a Doctor and/or hospital but come away from consultations feeling confused, unsure and distressed, or worse, in pain,  is wholly unacceptable.” 

If you or your child has been affected or received correspondence from GOSH notifying you of the review into your care, or your child’s care, and you would like to join the families already being supported by Fletchers Solicitors, please contact us for a free case assessment.