MSPs from Scotland’s three largest opposition parties have joined forces to renew calls for a full independent public inquiry into NHS Tayside’s handling of disgraced surgeon Professor Sam Eljamel.
Liz Smith, Michael Marra and Willie Rennie have spoken out after an independent review revealed that NHS Tayside ordered only a light-touch supervision of Eljamel after complaints about his conduct were flagged.
It’s understood the 100-plus patients operated on by him during the period immediately prior to his suspension have been written to by the health board.
The trio of MSPs – representing the Scottish Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats – insist First Minister Humza Yousaf and health secretary Michael Matheson now have no option but to agree to a public inquiry into the scandal.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Liz Smith said: “These latest revelations surrounding the disgraced Sam Eljamel are devastating.
“They prove beyond all doubt that NHS Tayside failed to act appropriately when they knew there were very serious concerns about the medical practices of Professor Eljamel.
“Just as scandalous is the fact that they have kept the truth from the patients for years and that the Scottish Government has failed to address this.
“It is blatantly obvious than when a series of very serious allegations were made against Eljamel he should have been suspended not put under casual observation when he could do more damage to patients.
“We know from what whistle-blowers told us earlier this year that those who worked with Sam Eljamel knew about the serious concerns, as did managers, yet they allowed him to continue practising in theatre.
“For several years, I have seen at first hand the trauma, both physical and mental, that these patients have been put through because the truth has always been kept from them. I cannot imagine how they will be feeling when they receive the latest letter.
“A full public inquiry is essential. Humza Yousaf and Michael Matheson must grant it without any delay. Anything less would be a total dereliction of duty from them both.”
Scottish Labour MSP Michael Marra said: “For decades now, families across Tayside have been catastrophically failed by the leadership of NHS Tayside.
“For years, Eljamel was allowed to inflict harm on scores of women and men. He did so unchecked despite the alarm being raised time and time again.
“This admission has been wrung from NHS Tayside like blood from a stone.
“The persistence of victims is today vindicated but their courage can only now be honoured by a full public inquiry with the power to compel witnesses to attend.
“When senior staff knew that Eljamel was both incompetent and a liar they allowed him to perform surgery without scrutiny. Why?
“This must never be allowed to happen again. A raft of recommendations to ensure this is the case have sat on the desks of the board for years without action.
“That is why today I am calling on the senior leadership of NHS Tayside to consider their positions and for a public inquiry to he held forthwith.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie said: “The publication of this report by NHS Tayside strengthens the case for a fully independent public inquiry.
“The fact that it has taken so long for the admission of errors around the supervision arrangements for Professor Eljamel further weakens any trust that ex-patients had in those in positions of authority.
“It is devastating that, as NHS Tayside have admitted, 111 patients were at direct risk as a result of poor decision-making around the supervisory arrangements.
“It is beyond me why it has taken years for the admission that the professor should have been supervised in theatre when there was clear evidence that the problems in practice were in theatre.
“The 111 patients must receive the best possible support now to get them through the emotional turmoil and anxiety that they will understandably now feel.
“Without trust in the cabinet secretary and his process there is no other option but a public inquiry.”