BOA statement on the investigation into care at Great Ormond Street Hospital

The British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) notes the publication of the investigation into the care provided by Yaser Jabbar at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Our first concern is for the children and families who have experienced harm or distress. We acknowledge the unnecessary suffering identified and recognise the profound impact this has had on those affected.

The BOA is carefully reviewing the findings and recommendations of the report. It is clear that there are important lessons to be learned, both for individual organisations and for the wider system, including professional bodies.

Together with our specialist societies, including the British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS) and the British Limb Reconstruction Society (BLRS), the BOA has been engaged over time in work intended to support safe practice, professional standards, and quality improvement. We recognise, however, that guidance, education, and professional processes must continually evolve, and that the publication of this report provides an important opportunity for further reflection and improvement.

The BOA is committed to learning from the findings of this report and to working constructively with NHS England, regulators, professional societies, and patient representatives to support any actions required to improve care and strengthen patient safety.

It would not be appropriate for the BOA to comment on matters of internal governance or organisational accountability within individual NHS trusts. These issues are properly addressed through NHS and regulatory processes.

A further statement will follow once the report has been fully considered.

The British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) is the professional membership body representing trauma and orthopaedic surgeons in the UK.