An Angus man said he is “astounded” there will be no independent review of a suspended surgeon’s legacy.
David Vile, 44, of Kirriemuir, said Health Secretary Shona Robison’s decision was a “huge blow” to everyone left with long-term ailments after botched surgery.
Professor Muftah Salem Eljamel, who was a consultant neurological surgeon in Tayside from 1995, was suspended from his post last year after a patient underwent surgery on the wrong spinal disc.
Many people have come forward to say they were left with long-term health difficulties after surgery by Mr Eljamel, who remains registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) but without a licence to practise.
An internal investigation has now been concluded by NHS Tayside following a review of patients who were operated on by the surgeon between 2010 and 2013.
The health board has passed on the results of its review to the GMC, which is in the process of a retrospective investigation into Mr Eljamel’s case.
However, Ms Robison said there are no plans for a public inquiry at present.
Mr Vile said: “It is insulting and like a slap in the face to those of us who have been left both physically and mentally scarred by this man’s actions or, in some cases, non-action.
“To be advised that an internal investigation has already taken place and Mr Eljamel subsequently retired is all smoke and mirrors as far as I am concerned.”
Mr Vile claimed he has been left on a cocktail of medication after undergoing two discectomy operations by Mr Eljamel in 2007 and 2009.
He was given the news that nothing further could be done following his final procedure and has now requested a full medical review from NHS Tayside.
Mr Vile said he struggles with getting dressed and the effect of surgery has left him physically and mentally scarred.
“To say ‘the health board’s investigations have led to the introduction of certain revisions to operating procedures within NHS Tayside’ does not help those who have already been affected by the procedures that were in place prior to NHS Tayside’s internal investigation.
“Why has NHS Tayside not previously advised that they have carried out an internal investigation and published their findings?
“Why has NHS Tayside only reviewed cases of all those operated on by Professor Eljamel between 2010 and 2013, as a result of a recommendation from the Royal College of Surgeons?
“Many of the people affected by Mr Eljamel’s actions or procedures were prior to the 2010-2013 period, so I do not believe that the internal probe is sufficient.”
Mr Vile added he does not consider the period for cases reviewed is wide enough and said he was “astounded” by Ms Robison’s response.
Photo by Angus Pictures