As many as 100 children have been irreparably affected at Great Ormond Street Hospital due to failed operations carried out by a discredited NHS doctor

04 January 2026 , 18:39

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As many as 100 children have been irreparably affected at Great Ormond Street Hospital due to failed operations carried out by a discredited NHS doctor

Up to 100 children harmed by disgraced surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital, report finds

A former NHS surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital harmed up to 100 children through botched leg operations, causing lifelong injuries in some cases, according to the findings of a major independent review.

Yasser Jabbar, 43, allegedly left children suffering from chronic pain, severe deformities, permanent nerve damage and, in one case, an amputation. Other patients were left with significant leg length differences of up to 20 centimetres following surgery.

Independent experts reviewed the treatment of 721 patients who were under Jabbar’s care at the hospital, before identifying a further 68 cases, bringing the total to 789. The review found that between 85 and 100 children were harmed, including at least 32 who suffered severe harm likely to result in permanent disability or long-term pain. Another 36 cases were classified as moderate harm and 18 as mild.

The full findings are due to be presented to the hospital’s trust board on January 29. The review comes more than two years after Jabbar was suspended, with new details emerging ahead of the formal presentation.

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Families of affected children have accused the hospital of a “culture of cover-up” and said earlier reports failed to reflect the true extent of the harm. Some parents said the hospital failed to act on staff concerns and focused blame on a single surgeon rather than addressing wider systemic problems.

Jabbar left Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2023 after a Royal College of Surgeons review concluded that some of his procedures were “inappropriate” and “incorrect”. A leaked report also described “unacceptable and unprofessional behaviour”, including aggressive and threatening conduct towards staff.

Hospital employees have criticised senior management, claiming executives avoided responsibility and continued to target remaining consultants instead of addressing failures highlighted in the review. Jabbar has not held a licence to practise medicine in the UK since January 8, 2024.

Previously regarded as an expert in limb reconstruction, Jabbar later moved to Dubai, where he is reported to have continued working as a surgeon. Lawyers representing affected families say cases include surgical errors, nerve injuries, severe leg discrepancies and one amputation.

Great Ormond Street Hospital said it was “deeply sorry” to all children and families affected and confirmed that the care of every patient involved has been reviewed. The hospital said the report will be shared with families before being made public next month.

George MacGregor