Full Breakdown
Public Inquiry into Neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel Begins in Edinburgh
9/8/2026, 8:46:23 PM
Inquiry Launch and Scope
A four-week public inquiry into former consultant neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel is scheduled to start on September 8 at Waverley Gate in Edinburgh. The inquiry, chaired by Lord Weir, will examine the career trajectory of Eljamel, the supervision measures placed on him in 2013, and the document-management practices of NHS Tayside. The first day will feature an opening address by senior counsel Jamie Dawson KC, followed by testimony from former MSP Liz Smith, who represented many of the alleged victims. The inquiry’s agenda includes evidence from NHS Tayside, the Scottish Government, the University of Dundee and relevant professional regulators.
Background to the Eljamel Case
Eljamel served as a consultant neurosurgeon at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee from 1995 until his suspension in December 2013. After resigning in May 2014 and removing himself from the General Medical Register in 2015, he is believed to have resumed surgical work in Libya. Patients and families have long alleged that Eljavel’s practice caused harm to as many as 200 individuals, prompting calls for a formal investigation that culminated in the present inquiry.
Data & Statistics
- Alleged patient harm: up to 200 people.
- Clinical cases referred to an independent clinical review (ICR) by the inquiry: more than 110.
- Neurological assessments received for ICR evidence: one (due in December, now delayed).
- Duration of Phase 1 hearings: four weeks.
Official Statements & Responses
Lord Weir described the opening of the inquiry as “another important milestone” and emphasized a commitment to a “robust, thorough and impartial” investigation. Jamie Dawson, in his opening address, called the proceedings a “significant milestone” and urged witnesses to provide clear evidence.
NHS Tayside’s chief executive Nicky Connor is scheduled to give evidence on September 9. The inquiry has also secured funding for an additional solicitor to accelerate the review of patient cases.
Criticism & Opposition
Campaigner Jules Rose, who led the decade-long push for an inquiry, said the hearings mark the end of a “long, arduous and emotional journey” and questioned why NHS Tayside allowed the alleged harm to continue for 18 years.
MSP Michael Marra highlighted the “huge number of patients” involved in the medical reviews, warning that the volume will require substantial resources and urging Parliament to ensure adequate resourcing for the inquiry’s continued pace.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No contradictory figures regarding the number of alleged victims or the scope of the inquiry appear across the sources. However, the inquiry has received only one neurological assessment despite expecting more for the December hearings, indicating a gap in the evidence base.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is unrealistic to think that reviews will be advanced in sufficient numbers and to a level which would merit consideration at hearings as soon as December,” — Mr Dawson
What’s Next
Phase 2 of the inquiry, originally planned to begin in December, will focus on testimony from former patients and additional independent clinical reviews. Delays to the ICR evidence mean the December hearings will likely feature only patient and possibly patient-representative evidence. The inquiry has issued an “unequivocal call for evidence” and remains open to contacts from medical professionals who can contribute relevant information.
