Rennie calls for statement on disgraced Tayside surgeon

North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie has today written to the minister for parliamentary business calling for a ministerial statement on disgraced NHS Tayside surgeon Sam Eljamel.

Mr Rennie said:

"The Health Secretary needs to come to parliament and urgently address the big questions raised by the NHS Tayside report.

“The publication of this report by NHS Tayside strengthens the case for a fully independent public inquiry.  

"The fact that it has taken so long for the admission of errors around the supervision arrangements for Professor Eljamel further weakens any trust that ex patients had in those in positions of authority.

“It is devastating that, as NHS Tayside have admitted, that 111 patients were at direct risk as a result of poor decision making around the supervisory arrangements.  It is beyond me why it has taken years for the admission that the Professor should have been supervised in theatre when there was clear evidence that the problems in practice were in theatre. The 111 patients must receive the best possible support now to get them through the emotional turmoil and anxiety that they will understandably now feel.

“Without trust in the Cabinet Secretary and his process there is no other option but a public inquiry.”