Home / Crime and Justice / Surgeon's MRI Misread Led to Unnecessary Operation
Surgeon's MRI Misread Led to Unnecessary Operation
15 Sep
Summary
- A surgeon severely misinterpreted an MRI, leading to an unneeded operation.
- He performed nearly 500 private surgeries between 2002 and 2013.
- Concerns were raised by eight private patients post-suspension.
A public inquiry is examining the actions of disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel. It was revealed that Eljamel performed an unnecessary spinal operation after allegedly 'seriously misinterpreting' an MRI scan. This incident occurred during a period when he conducted nearly 500 private procedures at Dundee's Fernbrae Hospital, between 2002 and 2013.
Eljamel, a former consultant NHS neurosurgeon at Ninewells Hospital, was suspended in 2013. In the four years after his suspension, eight of his private patients raised concerns. A review of one 2010 case concluded there was a strong indication Eljamel had misinterpreted an MRI, questioning his clinical competence.
Fernbrae Hospital, where Eljamel performed many private operations, closed in 2019. Circle Health Group, which acquired BMI Healthcare, inherited legal responsibility for the hospital's operations.
