…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
A former patient of a disgraced surgeon caused a halt at the SNP’s independence convention, demanding a public inquiry into her case.
Theresa Mallett, a 61-year-old from Glenrothes, claimed she suffered life-changing injuries due to a botched surgery performed by Professor Sam Eljamel, a former neurosurgeon at NHS Tayside.
Prof. Eljamel is believed to have harmed numerous patients during his time at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
Initially met with disapproval from SNP delegates, Ms. Mallett was comforted by First Minister Humza Yousaf as she accused the health board of negligence.
Loss of Faith and Call for Inquiry
Ms. Mallett, a lifelong SNP member, decided to quit the party, expressing her loss of faith and stating that only a comprehensive public inquiry would restore her trust in the party.
She explained that Prof. Eljamel had assured her of a successful surgery, but two years later, she was informed by the pain clinic that her condition was permanent.
She had hoped to return to work and resume her normal life but experienced worsening pain instead.
Since her surgery in December 2012, she has received no explanation about what went wrong.
Demand for Answers and Resolution
Ms. Mallett emphasized the need for accountability from NHS Tayside, Ninewells, and any individuals who enabled Prof. Eljamel to continue harming patients.
She expressed her desire to confront the First Minister and raise awareness of the suffering she and the other victims endured.
Frustrated by missing medical notes and x-rays, she stressed the urgency of obtaining answers and preventing such incidents from occurring in the future.
SNP Membership and Response from First Minister
Feeling unable to face others within the SNP, Ms. Mallett revealed that her time as a party member was over, at least for now.
She expressed her willingness to reconsider if a public inquiry were granted.
First Minister Humza Yousaf acknowledged Ms. Mallett’s traumatic experience and stated his willingness to meet with her and other victims.
While he understood the calls for a public inquiry, he explained that alternative avenues were being explored to provide quicker answers.
Mr. Yousaf also urged SNP members not to drown out voices seeking to be heard.
Disgraced Surgeon’s Status and Conclusion
Professor Eljamel, the former head of neurosurgery at NHS Tayside, removed himself from the General Medical Council (GMC) in 2013.
However, as the GMC’s jurisdiction is limited to the UK, he is currently practicing as a surgeon in Libya.
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