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NHS Tayside destroys critical logbooks linked to Sam Eljamel's surgeries

Nov 26, 2025, 11:20 AM30
(Update: Nov 30, 2025, 1:01 AM)
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NHS Tayside destroys critical logbooks linked to Sam Eljamel's surgeries

  • The inquiry into disgraced neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel revealed that around 40 logbooks documenting his surgical practices were destroyed by NHS Tayside.
  • This occurred despite a 'do not destroy' order issued by the inquiry chair, leading to allegations of negligence or malice from patient representatives.
  • Patients and families now seek accountability and justice for the harms caused by Eljamel's practices and the subsequent mishandling of crucial medical records.
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In Scotland, an inquiry is currently investigating the actions of disgraced neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel, who is believed to have caused harm to numerous patients during his tenure at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital from 1995 to 2013. Recently, it was revealed that NHS Tayside destroyed approximately 40 logbooks that contained crucial information about Eljamel's surgical practices, despite a clear 'do not destroy' order issued by the inquiry chair in October 2024. This destruction occurred on July 24, 2025, prompting outrage from patient representatives. Joanna Cherry KC, representing the patients affected, expressed dismay at the lack of accountability from NHS Tayside, describing their actions as potentially negligent or malicious. The destroyed logbooks may have held vital evidence for the inquiry aimed at uncovering the full extent of Eljamel's medical practices and the impact on his patients, some of whom have suffered severe, life-altering injuries. The inquiry has highlighted the systemic failures within NHS Tayside, citing patients' experiences of being labeled as 'frequent flyers' due to the high number of follow-up treatments they required. Many feel that they have been left to suffer with significant permanent injuries after receiving inadequate care from Eljamel. Families have reported a lack of transparency and honesty from NHS authorities, compounding their distress and leaving them feeling abandoned by the healthcare system. Some patients have even expressed suicidal thoughts due to their experiences. As the inquiry led by Lord Weir continues, it aims to not only assess Eljamel's actions but also to scrutinize the responses of NHS Tayside, the Scottish Government, and other relevant bodies. Counsel for the inquiry indicated that more hearings would be held to explore the completeness and integrity of medical records, raising concerns of possible falsification and failures in the medical oversight framework designed to protect patients. The ongoing investigation has reaffirmed the need for accountability and justice for those wronged by the failures of medical governance in Scotland.

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