Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has called on NHS Tayside and the Scottish Government to plan ahead for any future compensation claims against Prof Sam Eljamel after the BBC revealed that over £3m was paid to five former neurosurgery patients between 2012 and 2017.
BBC Scotland has reported that NHS Tayside paid out £3,163,716 in compensation to neurosurgery patients between 2012 and 2017 with a number of suits still to be settled as a result of the work of Prof Eljamel.
Separate figures have shown that Police Scotland has spoken to more than 20 people in their investigation into the work of Prof Eljamel.
Commenting, Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The amount paid out to victims of botched operations is rising fast and recent figures revealed that NHS Tayside has paid out more than any other Scottish health board.
“However, this bill could increase as more patients come forward who believe that Prof Eljamel operated on them incorrectly.
“These are incredibly serious claims and they should be investigated thoroughly and I would hope any patient who has suffered unnecessary harm is duly compensated.
“As a result of this, it is critically important that both NHS Tayside and the Scottish Government plan ahead to deal with future claims in order to ensure that justice is delivered and NHS budgets are protected.”