A 15-year-old boy, Finias Sandu, is currently dealing with continuous pain as a result of undergoing two operations performed by a now unlicensed surgeon from Great Ormond Street Hospital. The independent review conducted on him revealed that the procedures he underwent on both legs were deemed “unacceptable” and “inappropriate” for his age. Finias, who hails from Essex, was born with a condition that causes curved bones in his legs, leading to the need for medical intervention from a young age.
Surgical Procedures Gone Wrong: The Painful Journey
At the age of seven, a reconstructive procedure was carried out on Finias’s left leg, extending the limb by 3.5cm. Subsequently, a few years later, the same operation was performed on his right leg, which involved the use of an invasive and heavy metal frame for months. Independent experts have criticized these procedures, stating that they should not have been conducted, and have raised concerns about the lack of imaging taken prior to the surgeries.
Living in Constant Pain: Finias’s Struggle
The aftermath of the surgeries has left Finias in a state of constant pain, with the teenager expressing that the pain is a daily companion that never leaves his side. Despite the surgeries being intended to improve his condition, they have instead caused him harm and emotional distress. The lack of updated scans or relevant X-rays prior to the operations further adds to the negligence surrounding his case. Finias’s doctor, former consultant orthopaedic surgeon Yaser Jabbar, had his UK medical license revoked last year, leaving over 700 patients, including Finias, in a state of uncertainty and seeking corrective measures.
Trusting the Untrustworthy: A Family’s Betrayal
The betrayal felt by Finias and his family towards the hospital and the surgeon is palpable, with his mother, Cornelia Sandu, expressing her fury and shattered trust in the institution. The family, along with many others affected, are pursuing legal claims against Great Ormond Street Hospital, seeking compensation for the harm caused. Despite the hospital’s apologies and promises to address concerns, the emotional and physical toll on patients like Finias continues to be a pressing issue. As the external review into the hospital’s orthopaedic department unfolds, questions regarding patient safety and adequate care persist, with the investigation expected to conclude by the end of the year.
