Eljamel inquiry invites rogue surgeon’s former patients to public events

The chairman of the inquiry into rogue surgeon Sam Eljamel is inviting patients to two public events, describing their input as a “vital part” of the process.

Lord Weir said he and his team are working with “focus and determination” to set up the inquiry to investigate matters related to the actions of the neurosurgeon, who worked for NHS Tayside between 1995 and 2014.

Eljamel was suspended in 2013 after concerns emerged, and campaigners claim more than 196 patients were harmed by him.

The independent public inquiry was announced by ministers in September 2023.

Lord Weir is inviting patients and other interested parties to attend two public events in October, one in person and one virtual.

He said: “My team and I are very conscious of the length of time patients, their families and carers have already waited to get answers.

“We are also aware that there are other institutions, organisations and individuals who will be interested in the establishment of the inquiry and the matters it is likely to consider.

“We are working with focus and determination to set up the inquiry.

“Hearing from those affected and others with an interest in the inquiry’s work on its terms of reference is a vital part of this process.

“I look forward to meeting them and hearing their views.”

A ticketed in-person event will be held in central Dundee on Monday, October 7 and a further, ticketed virtual event will be offered on Thursday, October 10.

The chairman and the senior counsel to the inquiry, Jamie Dawson KC, will give those attending a progress update at the events.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and offer their views on the inquiry’s draft terms of reference, which will soon be shared.

In addition to the investigations undertaken by the inquiry, separate, independent clinical reviews will be offered to Eljamel’s former patients.

The reviews will be chaired by Professor Stephen Wigmore, regius chair of clinical surgery at the University of Edinburgh.