A doctor under investigation for allegedly abusing hundreds of children has been removed from speaking at a health conference.
Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London has launched an urgent investigation into the care of 721 children who are believed to have suffered poor treatment at the hands of one of its former orthopaedic surgeons, Yaser Jabbar.
Jabbar was scheduled to speak at the International Orthopaedic Congress in July in Dubai, where he now lives and works. Since news of the study broke on Sunday, reference to his attendance has been removed from the conference website.
The organisers told MailOnline: “Upon learning of the allegations against Dr Jabbar, the organisers and the committee of the MENA Orthopaedic Congress jointly decided to remove Dr Jabbar’s presentation from the programme. As a result, Dr Jabbar is no longer part of the congress faculty of speakers.”
Jabbar’s LinkedIn page lists him as employed by orthopedic specialist Orthocure in the UAE, but he is not listed on the company’s website.
Great Ormond Street Hospital said it had commissioned an external review of its paediatric orthopaedic service by the Royal College of Surgeons in 2022 “after concerns were raised by a number of our patient families and staff”. The hospital has since begun its own review of 721 children receiving care.
Of the 39 cases investigated so far, 15 patients suffered no damage, nine suffered “mild to moderate damage” and 13 suffered “severe damage,” likely to include lifelong injuries, the hospital said.
Lawyers representing the children’s families said injuries included incorrect surgeries, leg length discrepancies, nerve damage and one amputation.
Caroline Murgatroyd of Hudgell Solicitors said: “Since the scale of this research was made public last weekend, a significant number of families have come forward seeking advice and sharing their concerns.
“What is particularly shocking is the sheer number of children affected by this, and the fact that this is a world-renowned hospital that people have complete confidence in.
“Families had complete faith that the hospital and surgeon would do their best for their children, which is completely understandable. They have so many unanswered questions about how and why this could ever happen.”
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She urged Great Ormond Street Hospital to provide the full Royal College of Surgeons report as soon as possible. The hospital has currently said it will provide a summary in December.
“(Families) have a right to hear the full story, and under the duty of candor that is what we expect from the trust. Given that the report was completed last year, it should have been shared by now. We will certainly ask for it to be sent to all clients who have instructed us,” Murgatroyd said.
According to the General Medical Council, Jabbar is said to be an expert in limb reconstruction, but he has not been licensed to practice medicine in the UK since January 8. The council noted that there are a number of reasons why a doctor may give up their license, including retirement, moving abroad or deciding to take up other work.
Jabbar has been asked for comment.