Inquiry: Disgraced Surgeon ‘Should Have’ Been Stopped Years Before Resignation

Surgeon Sam Eljamel's misconduct could have been halted years earlier, inquiry reveals. NHS Tayside faces scrutiny over missed opportunities.

Editorial Desk

September 29, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Dundee, Scotland — A senior medical official has revealed that a disgraced brain surgeon could have been removed from practice years before his eventual resignation, according to an ongoing inquiry.

Dr James Cotton, executive medical director for NHS Tayside, told the inquiry that Dr Sam Eljamel might have been struck off seven years prior to his 2014 dismissal. The revelation highlights a critical failure in oversight of the neurosurgeon’s conduct.

📄 POLICY WIRE WHITEPAPER PUBLISHED: PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY PRIORITIES

👉 READ BY CLICKING HERE

Eljamel, who led the neurosurgery department at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee from 1995 to 2013, was suspended in 2013 after allegations of serious medical errors. An independent inquiry into his actions, mandated by the Scottish government, began in November 2025 and held public hearings starting in September 2026.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

Author

Editorial Desk

Policy Wire is your go-to editorial hub for insightful perspectives and informed analysis on pressing policy issues, both regionally and globally. Over the years, Policy Wire has collaborated with leading international news agencies—including AFP, AP, Reuters, and others—to provide fact-based reporting and nuanced commentary. With a commitment to clarity and credibility, we aim to bridge the gap between complex policy debates and public understanding, ensuring that our readers stay informed on the issues shaping the world today.