Eljamel inquiry's lead solicitor quits before hearings begin
The lead solicitor for the public inquiry into disgraced NHS Tayside neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel has quit her role.
Bosses confirmed to patients that Ciara Pang had exited her post even though hearings for the probe have not yet formally begun.
It's understood Lord Weir, who is chairing the inquiry, had been aware well in advance Ms Pang was leaving and the search for her replacement is under way.
In an email to Eljamel's patients, assistant solicitor Lynn Carey said: 'Our current solicitor, Ciara Pang, who has been your main point of contact until now, is moving on from the inquiry.
'The inquiry is in the process of filling this key post.
'We will notify you as soon as possible to provide details of who has been appointed as our new solicitor to the inquiry.
'The inquiry wishes to reassure you that the work of the inquiry continues in the meantime.'
Ms Carey said he would act as the main point of contact for any patients who had legal queries in the meantime.
Ms Pang previously worked as deputy solicitor for the inquiry into the circumstances of Sheku Bayou's death in police custody in Kirkcaldy.
Last October, Lord Weir said Ms Pang's 'in-depth experience' had already been 'invaluable' to him.
'I have no doubt that she will contribute greatly to the effective functioning of this Inquiry and the many legal issues to which it will inevitably give rise,' he added.
Sources stressed it is not unusual for some staff working on a public inquiry team to leave their roles while the process remains ongoing.
But Jules Rose, a Kinross campaigner harmed by Eljamel, said she has concerns over Ms Pang's departure.
'It's deeply concerning to learn that such an influential figure has stepped away from the inquiry at this critical stage,' she said.
'Once again, we're back on the merry-go-round.
'We need clear assurances this won't derail the progress of a much-needed inquiry.
'Yet again, there are more questions than answers.'
The Eljamel inquiry was ordered by the Scottish Government after extensive demands from campaigners in September 2023.
The rogue doctor harmed hundreds of patients while he was employed by NHS Tayside between 1995 and 2013.
In April, we revealed Dundee DJ Pat Kelly – another Eljamel victim – was boycotting the inquiry because he fears key institutions will not be interrogated.
Jamie Dawson KC, the top lawyer who grilled Nicola Sturgeon during the Covid inquiry, is the investigation's senior counsel.
A spokesperson for the Eljamel inquiry said: 'The Eljamel inquiry is in the process of filling the post of Solicitor to the Inquiry, and expects to do so in early course.
'Once appointed, we will provide an update to stakeholders.
'The inquiry is continuing to gather evidence and work towards hearings.
'Lord Weir has thanked Ciara for her contribution.'
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