Eljamel Independent Clinical Review: December 2025 update

This notice sets out some important information about how the Independent Clinical Review (ICR) intends to go about supporting applicants to complete their applicant statements.

We thank former patients, and authorised representatives of former patients, for their patience while the very complex processes underlying the ICR have been set up.

Now that process is complete, the next step will be to seek applicant statements from those who have applied to the ICR.

These applicant statements are an important part of the evidence being gathered by our process. Once the applicant statements are completed, they will be sent by us (with any attachments) to the independent expert neurosurgical reviewers, along with recovered medical records.

A very large number of individuals have registered with the ICR - almost 500 as at the date of this notice. We have decided to stagger the process of inviting former patients, or their authorised representative, to provide their applicant statement.

As per the Memorandum of Understanding between the ICR and the Eljamel Inquiry, some cases have been identified as being of particular relevance to issues being investigated by the Inquiry and have been afforded priority for ICR review for this reason.

Please be assured that every applicant statement is important to us and that everyone will be submitted as part of the evidence in the Inquiry (where consent has been given to share this information). Every applicant statement will be given the same care and consideration as part of the ICR review process. Those whose cases are being sent for review first will be invited to complete and submit their applicant statements first.

The applicant statement is the document that provides the opportunity for former patients, or their authorised representative, to describe in their own words their experiences and concerns in response to specific questions relevant to the remit of the ICR.

We consider it important that applicants get the right type of support to help them provide this important statement. Therefore, we have devised a number of different options for applicants to access the right support to help them to complete the applicant statement.

The support options available are set out below.

Legal support for patients who currently have legal representation

Funding has been made available for applicants to receive legal assistance in completing and drafting their applicant statement – a set fee will be paid, and you will not have to pay it. If you have told us that you have a lawyer you want to help you, we will include them in correspondence relating to the applicant statement and send them details of the funding available for this work.

Legal support for patients who currently do not have legal representation

If you do not currently have a lawyer, you can instruct one to help you. Further information on finding a solicitor can be accessed through the Law Society of Scotland or by telephoning 0131 226 7411.

Patient Advice and Support Service Scotland (PASS)

Applicants who feel that they would like advice and support completing their applicant statement, but do not feel that they require legal support, can make use of the support service provided by the Patient Advice and Support Service Scotland (PASS).

The PASS service has experienced and trauma-informed staff who are available to assist applicants to prepare their applicant statements. These staff are not legally qualified, but they can help with putting the statement together and typing it up, if required.

When you are requested to provide an applicant statement, you will receive information from the ICR about how to access the PASS service.

We will ask you to tell us if you wish to use this support service so that we can liaise with PASS about the completion of your applicant statement. 

The support service provided by PASS will also be funded – you will not have to pay for it.

No support

Some applicants may feel that they do not require legal support or the support of the PASS service to complete their applicant statement. That is absolutely fine.

Please remember that all applicant statements must be typed and submitted digitally. If you have difficulty with this or wish to have more information about what support services can be provided to help, please contact enquiries@eljamelclinicalreview.scot or by telephoning  0131 244 1796.

Psychological support

In addition to the support services provided by lawyers or through PASS, patients can also choose to access psychological support.

Patients who wish to access this additional support can request access to a trained counselling service which has been arranged by the ICR and will be provided by the Association of Clinical Psychologists UK. This is an entirely independent service which has been arranged for ICR applicants, and their family members or close supporters.

Again, the cost will be covered and applicants who wish to use this service will not have to pay for it. If you wish to access this service, please tell us via enquiries@eljamelclinicalreview.scot and we can make the arrangements.