MONDAY, 17 AUGUST 2026

Independent Review into the Destruction of Theatre Logbooks published

The independent, external review of the destruction of theatre logbooks associated with the neurosurgical theatre at Ninewells Hospital, where former neurosurgeon Mr Eljamel operated has been published today by NHS Tayside.

The Independent Review Report and NHS Tayside’s Action Plan are available on NHS Tayside’s website under Your Rights | Eljamel Inquiry and Independent Clinical Review.

The review has identified failings in the systems, processes and governance arrangements that were in place at the time of the loss in July 2025, concluding that the loss of these records should not have happened. NHS Tayside has accepted the findings in full and has also published its Action Plan to address the 15 recommendations in the report.

Although, the review found no evidence of malicious intent or deliberate destruction of records, the Board of NHS Tayside acknowledges that this does not diminish the impact of the incident. We wish patients and families to know that the Board recognises the effect that this incident has had on individuals and apologises sincerely for the loss of information in the logbooks.

Since the circumstances surrounding the loss of the logbooks came to light, substantial work has been undertaken to strengthen arrangements.

The comprehensive action plan, also published today, is already being implemented, including:

• The introduction of a formal Do Not Destroy compliance framework

• Strengthened executive accountability

• New information asset management arrangements

• Enhanced record retention controls

• Strengthened end-to-end organisational compliance and assurance processes

• Improved staff training and awareness measures.

The Board made the decision to publish the report in full (with small number of redactions for junior job roles) to ensure full transparency which was a commitment given by the Chief Executive when the report was commissioned.

NHS Tayside Chief Executive Nicky Connor said, “Today, NHS Tayside is publishing the independent review into the destruction of theatre logbooks associated with the neurosurgical service at Ninewells Hospital. The report’s findings are clear: this should not have happened – and we wholeheartedly accept that.

“On behalf of NHS Tayside, I want to offer a sincere and unreserved apology to former patients, families and everyone affected by the loss of these records.

“We recognise that for many people these logbooks form part of their personal story. We understand that learning these records were destroyed will have caused distress and frustration.

“The review found no evidence of deliberate wrongdoing or malicious intent; however, it did identify shortcomings in the systems and arrangements that existed at the time. As an organisation, we must learn from this to prevent it happening again.

“The focus now is on ensuring that we have stronger and more reliable systems in place. We have strengthened our governance arrangements, improved oversight and accountability, and introduced clearer processes for handling and preserving records that are subject to legal requirements.

“Most importantly, we are committed to openness and transparency. Patients deserve full transparency in what the report has said, and they deserve confidence that lessons have been learned. We are determined to ensure that the improvements now being implemented deliver lasting change across our organisation."

Background Timeline

• October 2024 – NHS Tayside received a formal Do Not Destroy Notice relating to records potentially relevant to the Eljamel Inquiry. Arrangements were put in place to preserve relevant records and information.

• July 2025 – A number of historical theatre logbooks associated with the neurosurgical service at Ninewells Hospital were destroyed despite the Do Not Destroy Notice being in place.

• 2025 – Following identification of the issue, NHS Tayside commissioned an independent, external review to establish the facts, understand how the destruction occurred and identify lessons for the organisation. Full transparency commitment.

• 2026 – The independent review was undertaken by AAB, including review of relevant documentation, evidence gathering and interviews.

• August 2026 – NHS Tayside Board considered the findings of the independent review and a comprehensive action plan responding to its recommendations.

• 17 August 2026 – NHS Tayside published independent review and accepted all recommendations in full. Full report (only redacted for junior job roles) published to ensure commitment to full transparency to former patients and their families and the public

• August 2026 onwards – NHS Tayside is implementing a programme of improvements, including strengthened governance arrangements, clearer accountability, enhanced record preservation processes and organisation-wide assurance measures designed to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138