Transparency must be at the heart of Scoliosis & Spina Bifida Inquiry

Labour Health Spokesperson Marie Sherlock TD has welcomed the announcement of an inquiry into scolosis and spina bifida care in Ireland. However, Deputy Sherlock warned that transparency and respect for the process will be crucial to the review and to the outcomes.

Deputy Sherlock said:

“Huge credit must go to the Gillian Sherrat Morrison, Stephen Morrison and the tireless campaigning of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy group and the Scolosis Advocacy Network in bringing about this Government commitment this evening.

“Much of the detail has yet to be worked out and the outcome will only be as good as the willingness by clinical staff and management to engage with the Inquiry, coupled with their commitment to transforming their own working relationships and improving decision making systems.

“Devastatingly far too many children were caught up in the systems failure across CHI and became caught in the crosswire of a lack of governance, poor management and an awful work culture.

“The legacy of Harvey Morrison Sherratt, Dollceanna Carter and other children whose delayed care means they cannot now be operated on, must be vastly improved care for those children waiting today, and into the future.

“Government now needs to clarify the sequencing of the two parts of the Nayagam report, due in early 2026, with this process and deadline for the Spina Bifida and Scolosis Inquiry. The status of the 2017 Dixon report must also be clarified.

“This new Inquiry will take place as the HSE and CHI are currently implementing recommendations from the HIQA report in the unauthorised use of springs earlier this year.

“Last week in the Oireachtas Committee on Health, the HSE confirmed that some 50% of the HSE’s recommendations have been implemented. Much work remains to be done.

“Finally, it is crucial for Harvey’s parents, and all the other affected parents and children, that there is a serious and immediate improvement in the quality of care and support provided within CHI. The Nayagam report and this new inquiry will be very important in providing answers and justice to families. But these reports must be no cause of delay in transforming systems of care within CHI.”