Police Scotland receives more than 100 complaints about disgraced NHS neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel

Police Scotland says it has received 108 complaints about disgraced NHS surgeon Sam Eljamel.

The former head of neurosurgery at NHS Tayside is believed to have harmed more than 170 patients during his 18 years working in Dundee.

The force says it will take up to two years to decide if he will face prosecution, but there is enough evidence to proceed with a criminal investigation.

It comes as Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain met with Jules Rose, the lead campaigner for patients harmed by Eljamel, earlier this week.

It is understood the Lord Advocate told Ms Rose there was enough evidence to proceed with a criminal investigation.

Eljamel was employed by NHS Tayside from 1995 to 2013 and carried out more than 4,000 operations during his tenure, before he was suspended in 2013.

An independent public inquiry into the disgraced surgeon, who now works in Libya, was announced by ministers in September 2023.

The Patients’ Action Group for Eljamel Public Inquiry estimates 172 people are known to have been harmed by him.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “The Lord Advocate was grateful to have the opportunity to meet again with Jules Rose and provide an update on this important work.

“COPFS recognise the distress and upset of those affected. We will continue work with Police Scotland as they gather all relevant information from complainers and NHS Tayside.”