What's happened
NHS Tayside destroyed around 40 patient logbooks linked to disgraced neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel despite a 'do not destroy' order. The Scottish inquiry is investigating whether the destruction was gross negligence or malice, amid systemic failures and patient harm. The case highlights accountability issues within NHS Scotland.
What's behind the headline?
The destruction of patient records by NHS Tayside, despite explicit orders not to do so, exposes deep systemic flaws within NHS Scotland's oversight. The incident suggests a culture of opacity and possible malice, undermining trust in healthcare accountability. The inquiry's findings could lead to criminal investigations, highlighting the importance of strict record-keeping and transparency. This case underscores the need for robust safeguards and independent oversight to prevent similar failures in the future. The potential legal consequences and damage to public trust will likely prompt reforms, but the damage to NHS credibility may be long-lasting. The case also raises questions about institutional complicity and whether systemic issues allowed such misconduct to persist unchecked.
What the papers say
The Scotsman reports that NHS Tayside's destruction of logbooks occurred despite a 'do not destroy' order, with concerns about gross negligence or malice. Joanna Cherry KC emphasized the potential for criminality and systemic cover-up, criticizing NHS Tayside's handling of the matter. The Guardian highlights the broader context of systemic failures and the impact on patient trust, with legal experts warning of serious legal consequences. Sky News details the ongoing inquiry and the implications of evidence tampering, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the risk of systemic malpractice. The coverage collectively underscores the severity of the breach, the systemic failures within NHS Scotland, and the urgent need for accountability and reform.
How we got here
Sam Eljamel, a former neurosurgeon at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital, was suspended in 2013 amid allegations of malpractice that harmed dozens of patients. An inquiry was established in 2023 to investigate how concerns about his practice were handled and whether NHS Tayside's systems were adequate. Despite a 'do not destroy' order, around 40 logbooks from 1995-2013 were destroyed in 2025, prompting fears of evidence tampering and systemic negligence.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Did NHS Tayside Destroy Patient Records Amid the Eljamel Inquiry?
Recent revelations have raised serious concerns about NHS accountability after NHS Tayside destroyed around 40 patient logbooks linked to the disgraced neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel. This action occurred despite a 'do not destroy' order, prompting questions about systemic failures and patient safety. Below, we explore the key issues surrounding this case, including what the Eljamel inquiry is investigating, whether patient harm was possible, and what this means for NHS accountability.
-
What Are the Risks of Destroying Medical Records?
The recent destruction of NHS patient logbooks linked to a high-profile inquiry raises important questions about medical record management. While record destruction might seem routine, it carries significant risks, especially when done improperly or without proper oversight. Understanding these risks helps patients and healthcare providers recognize the importance of secure and compliant record-keeping practices. Below, we explore common questions about medical record management, data security, and legal implications.
More on these topics
-
NHS Tayside is an NHS board which forms one of the fourteen regions of NHS Scotland. It provides healthcare services in Angus, the City of Dundee and Perth and Kinross. NHS Tayside is headquartered at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
-
The Scottish Government is the devolved government of Scotland.
The government is led by the First Minister, who selects the Cabinet Secretaries, who attend Cabinet, and Ministers with the approval of Parliament.
-
Neil Charles Gray is a Scottish National Party politician who has been the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Airdrie & Shotts since May 2021.
-
Joanna Catherine Cherry QC is a Scottish politician and lawyer serving as the Member of Parliament for Edinburgh South West since 2015.
-
Wesley Paul William Streeting is a British politician serving as the Member of Parliament for Ilford North since 2015, and since 2020 as Shadow Minister for Schools.
-
The British Medical Association is the professional association and registered trade union for doctors in the United Kingdom. The association does not regulate or certify doctors, a responsibility which lies with the General Medical Council.