NHS Tayside "fell significantly short" in its response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request regarding disgraced neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel, Scotland's information commissioner has ruled. The health board has been ordered to release information it "incorrectly withheld" following the request, which was made in March 2023.
Information Commissioner David Hamilton found that the board had only partially complied with the FOI request and has directed NHS Tayside to release the previously withheld details. The health board has been given a deadline of September 17 to conduct a revised review of its response to certain parts of the request.
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside stated that the health board "intends to fully comply with the decision notice from the Scottish information commissioner."
The independent report on Eljamel's employment, commissioned after former patients reported harm, was carried out in 2019 by Tracey Gillies, NHS Lothian's medical director. Concerns were raised that Eljamel may have harmed as many as 200 patients, some of whom allegedly suffered life-changing injuries.
Eljamel served as the head of neurosurgery at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital from 1995 until his suspension in December 2013. He is now reportedly working in Libya. The first evidence sessions of a public inquiry into his case are expected to commence next month.