Sam Eljamel inquiry begins public hearings in Edinburgh

Public hearings have commenced regarding the inquiry into Sam Eljamel, a disgraced neurosurgeon who served as a consultant at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee from 1995 until his suspension in 2013. The inquiry follows allegations from patients that Eljamel may have harmed as many as 200 people.

The first phase of the four-week hearing process, held in Edinburgh, will examine Eljamel’s career trajectory, the circumstances surrounding his 2013 supervision, and document management systems within NHS Tayside. Lord Weir, the inquiry chairman, described the start of the hearings as a ‘watershed moment’ for those who campaigned for the investigation.

Witnesses expected to provide evidence include Liz Smith, a former MSP who represented affected patients, and Nicky Connor, the current chief executive of NHS Tayside. Other testimony will involve representatives from the Scottish Government and the University of Dundee.