Dr James Cotton, executive medical director of NHS Tayside, told the Eljamel Inquiry that Dr Sam Eljamel could and should have been stopped from practising earlier.
Dr Cotton said he could not understand why the surgeon had been allowed to continue operating alone after concerns were raised. He told senior counsel Jamie Dawson KC that, if making the decision today, he would not allow Dr Eljamel to operate.
The inquiry heard that Dr Eljamel was placed under supervision in June 2013, including weekly meetings to discuss patients, but that the arrangement did not directly address his surgical practice. Dr Cotton said a proper risk assessment should have considered direct supervision, suspension or stopping the surgeon from operating.
The inquiry also heard about complaints concerning Dr Eljamel, including one made in December 2012 alleging botched sight surgery and another from 2007. Dr Cotton denied that there had been a cover-up. The inquiry before Lord Weir continues.
The supplied reports differ on whether Dr Eljamel was dismissed in 2014 or later resigned voluntarily.
