GOSH investigation into paediatric surgeon extends to other hospitals

As well as working for GOSH, Mr Jabber worked for the NHS at the Chelsea and Westminster hospital and also worked on a private basis for the HCA healthcare UK.

HCA has announced that it has established a clinical advisory panel to advise a review into his practise with them, while the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital has said it is taking 'appropriate action' to address the concerns patients and families may have.

Most of the children being treated at GOSH needed leg length corrective surgery, either because they were injured in accidents or because they have underlying health conditions such as genu valgum, where the knees tilt inward while the ankles remain apart, or fibrosis hemimelia – a condition involving a partial or total absence of the fibula. Other children were being treated for talipes or hip dysplasia.

Some children now need ongoing treatment while their families try to come to terms with their disbelief over what has happened.

GOSH has estimated that its review will take up to 18 months but has promised to disclose a copy of the Royal College of Surgeon's review of the care to every family that wants to read it, from today.

Medical Negligence director Will Jones, who specialises in claims involving missed or delayed diagnosis of hip dysplasia and is a legal advisor to the charity STEPS, said: 'Families affected by these apparent terrible errors at GSOH and other hospitals will need a huge amount of support to plan their children's future.

'Legal claims for negligent treatment should provide the funds to make these children's lives better by paying for specialist therapies and equipment. This is absolutely the priority for families who put their trust in the hospital and its surgeons.'

Will Jones, Caron Heyes and Mark Bowman are currently acting for patients treated at the paediatric orthopaedic unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital.