'Vital evidence may have been lost' when log books linked to disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel were destroyed

The chief executive of NHS Tayside has admitted that vital evidence may have been lost when theatre log books linked to disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel were destroyed.

The former head of neurosurgery harmed dozens of patients during his 18 years working in Dundee.

In July last year, staff clearing a neurosurgery office found around 40 log books linked to Eljamel.

After contacting the health records department, they were advised of the standard eight-year retention policy, and the log books were placed in confidential waste bags and removed.

Weeks later, Police Scotland requested the log books as part of their investigation. It was only then that NHS Tayside discovered that they had already been destroyed – despite a do not destroy notice being issued.

An independent review found failings in the health board’s systems but said there was no malicious intent in the loss of the logs.

Gillian Davidson, a former patient of Eljamel, has been left with chronic pain after her body rejected a device which had been implanted incorrectly by the neurosurgeon in the late 1990s.

Details of her surgery were among the theatre log books that were destroyed.

She told STV News: “I know there are operation notes missing because the solicitors that have them have told me that, and because of the dates of the log books I know my operation notes are in there, and they’re gone now, and no one can get them back, no one. So I’m very, very angry.”

Following the review, Nicky Connor, NHS Tayside chief executive, said she took “full accountability” for the destruction of the log books, but stopped short of resigning over the error.

She told STV News: “I take full accountability on behalf of the organisation for what has happened here, and my commitment is to make sure we drive forward improvement for our patients in line with all of the recommendations that have been made.”

She admitted “some information might have been lost” as a result, but avoided questions over her position.

Connor said: “I want to again sincerely apologise to patients and to demonstrate my commitment to transparency and openness by driving forward the improvements that we need to make in this organisation.”

But patients say heads must roll.

Eljamel campaigner Jules Rose said: “It just seems to be failure upon failure, mistake upon mistake, and there is never anybody held to account.

“There’s no accountability with these problems that arise and cause trauma upon trauma on the patients.”

NHS Tayside’s chief executive will give evidence to the public inquiry next month.

How Eljamel was able to harm patients for so long will be examined, as well as the health board’s part in one of Scotland’s biggest medical scandals.