Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith has written to Health Secretary Humza Yousaf today demanding an independent public inquiry on behalf of patients who suffered at the hands of disgraced NHS Tayside surgeon Sam Eljamel.
The former head of neurosurgery at Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital was last year ordered to pay £2.8million in compensation to a woman who was left with life-changing injuries as a result of his medical negligence.
But Liz Smith – who has been acting for other former patients of Professor Eljamel – is seeking answers on the governance failures that allowed him to continue harming patients.
The Scottish Conservative MSP – along with the constituents she represents – has been frustrated by the lack of accountability at NHS Tayside.
Now she believes that only a full, independent public inquiry will get to the bottom of what went wrong.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Liz Smith said: “Like the constituents l have been representing for several years now, l have tried everything to find the answers that Professor Eljamel’s patients deserve.
“But, as these answers have not been forthcoming, l am now demanding the Scottish Government establishes an independent public inquiry.
“It is clear this is the only way left that will resolve matters for the patients who have suffered in pain for such a long time.
“Professor Eljamel destroyed the lives of too many people and yet no-one has ever been held fully accountable for what happened. His former patients deserve justice and to know the truth.”