Great Ormond Street Hospital Surgeon Harmed 94 Children, Review Finds

Independent Review Uncovers Widespread Harm

An independent review conducted by Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has concluded that orthopaedic surgeon Yaser Jabbar harmed 94 children through 'unacceptable' and botched operations during his tenure from 2017 to 2022. The findings, published on January 29, 2026, detail a range of clinical failings that led to significant distress and lasting consequences for many young patients.

Of the 789 patients treated by Mr. Jabbar whose cases were reviewed, 94 were found to have suffered harm, with 91 of these directly resulting from operations he performed. The severity of harm varied, with 36 children experiencing severe harm, 39 moderate harm, and 19 mild harm.

Details of Clinical Failings and Patient Impact

The review highlighted numerous instances where Mr. Jabbar's surgical practice fell significantly below expected standards. Issues identified included:

• Poor planning before surgery and unclear or incomplete notes.
• Implants being placed incorrectly.
• Bone cuts made at the wrong level or using inappropriate methods.
• Decisions made during surgery that did not align with scan findings.
• Problems with the use of frames and pins.
• Failure to involve the wider medical team when dealing with infections.
• An 'unjustified preference for certain surgical techniques including unconventional or unrecognised procedures'.
• Procedures differing from what was originally consented to, without proper rationale.

Families reported a lack of clear explanations regarding treatment options, risks, and decisions, often feeling that their concerns were dismissed by Mr. Jabbar. One patient, James Wood, suffered severe harm after a pin protruded into his thigh during surgery, damaging his femoral artery. Another, Vivaan Sharma, underwent leg-lengthening surgery deemed 'completely unsuitable' by independent experts.

Hospital's Response and Ongoing Investigations

Matthew Shaw, Chief Executive of GOSH, issued a profound apology to all affected patients and their families, stating, 'We are profoundly sorry to all the patients and their families who have been affected by the care provided by Mr Jabbar.' The hospital has since implemented 'significant changes' to its orthopaedic service and across the institution to prevent similar incidents. These measures include ensuring every surgical patient is reviewed by a large team, holding fortnightly meetings with the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital for complex cases, and strengthening processes for discussing care that does not go as planned.

Concerns about Mr. Jabbar's conduct were initially raised in 2022, leading to an investigation by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), which published its report in October 2023. Mr. Jabbar went on sabbatical in October 2022 and subsequently resigned. He is now understood to be living abroad and no longer holds a license to practice medicine in the UK.

In the wake of these revelations, the Metropolitan Police are in contact with GOSH and will review the report to determine if police involvement is necessary. Additionally, NHS England's London region is conducting its own review into GOSH's handling of the case. Solicitors representing some of the affected patients are pursuing legal action for damages.