Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is reviewing the care of 721 patients after an investigation found that children treated by one of its surgeons came to ‘severe harm’ during limb reconstruction operations.

Mr Yaser Jabbar, an orthopaedic surgeon, who had worked in the hospital’s lower limb reconstruction service from 2017 to 2022 is currently under investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC).Concerns were raised by staff and families of patients which led to a review by the Royal College of Surgeons.

GOSH’s investigation into the 721 cases began in April this year. So far, it has been reported that 22 children treated by Dr Jabbar suffered some degree of harm, such as nerve or muscle damage. Nine cases have been classified as having led to ‘low/moderate harm’, and 13 have been classified as having led to ‘severe harm’.

In one particularly concerning case, a child underwent surgery for an amputation which could have been avoided.

Mr Jabbar is no longer working at GOSH and has not had a licence to practice since January 2024.

The NHS Trust have confirmed that the families of the patients affected have  been contacted.

We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected. Although it will not reverse the harm caused by Mr Jabbar, we hope that the review will shine a light on practices within Great Ormond Street Hospital, that have allowed such events to occur, so that the necessary changes can be made to prevent this from happening again.