An independent clinical review has concluded that a consultant surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital harmed 94 children through surgical care over several years. The findings triggered public apologies and a wider national investigation into patient safety. Families and staff had raised concerns for years about treatment outcomes before the hospital launched the review.
The investigation examined the medical records of 789 children treated by orthopedic surgeon Yaser Jabbar between 2017 and 2022. Reviewers concluded that 94 patients experienced harm linked directly to his care. Among those cases, 36 children suffered severe harm, 39 experienced moderate harm, and 19 suffered mild harm.
Severe harm included failed procedures, delayed recognition of complications, chronic pain, long term disability, and in one case an amputation. Moderate harm involved extended recovery and additional treatment. Mild harm included unnecessary exposure to general anesthesia or complications that later required correction.
Most children reviewed did not suffer harm tied to his treatment, but investigators said the number of adverse outcomes raised serious concerns about clinical oversight and safety systems.
Families described deep emotional and physical consequences for their children. Some young patients continue to live with pain, mobility difficulties, and uneven limb development after procedures that required further corrective surgery. Parents said the experience disrupted childhood, schooling, and family life.
Legal representatives for affected families criticized the review process and argued that too few parents were properly consulted. Several families are considering escalating their cases to police, reflecting anger and frustration over the long term impact on their children.
The hospital’s chief executive Matthew Shaw issued a public apology and acknowledged that the organization failed to protect patients. Leaders said the findings were devastating and accepted responsibility for systemic weaknesses.
The hospital has started a series of reforms aimed at strengthening safeguards. These include expanded multidisciplinary surgical reviews, clearer systems for staff and families to raise concerns, stronger specialist input for complex cases, and enhanced protection for whistleblowers. The hospital is also increasing training around complaints handling and patient safety oversight.
NHS England has announced a separate independent investigation into governance failures that allowed unsafe practice to continue. The national review will examine how early warning signs were handled and whether wider systemic weaknesses contributed to prolonged harm.
Jabbar no longer holds a license to practice medicine in the United Kingdom. His professional conduct remains under scrutiny as investigations continue.
Reference:
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust. Orthopaedic Review. Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. Accessed January 30, 2026.
https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/wards-and-departments/departments/clinical-specialties/department-of-orthopaedic-surgery/orthopaedic-review/
(Rh/ARC)
