Patients Anxious Over Government Silence on Eljamel Inquiry Delay

Patients of former neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel have expressed anxiety and suspicion due to the Scottish Government's lack of public explanation regarding delays in the Eljamel Inquiry. The inquiry, established to investigate claims that Eljamel harmed up to 200 patients, faced postponement of its first evidential hearings originally scheduled for April. Senior counsel Jamie Dawson KC revealed that the delay resulted from fire safety compliance issues at the Waverley Gate venue in Edinburgh, which posed risks to public attendance. Although the inquiry team identified these risks earlier, the absence of an official government statement created a vacuum of information, fueling speculation among victims' families. Dawson clarified that the inquiry itself was not responsible for the silence, as the building is leased by the Scottish Government. In response, a government spokesperson acknowledged the distress caused and stated that discussions are underway with the new landlord to resolve the venue issues. The inquiry aims to provide answers to patients who suffered life-changing injuries under Eljamel's care at Ninewells Hospital between 1995 and 2013.