CHI opens helpline for families of children expecting spinal surgery at Temple Street

The setting up of this helpline follows the transfer of complex spinal surgery for children with spina bifida at CHI at Temple Street to the sister hospital CHI at Crumlin site only, with fears growing of potential delays. File photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

A helpline is now open for families whose child is expecting spinal surgery through the Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) hospital group with staff on hand to answer queries linked to controversy over safety concerns.

Families directly impacted by the particular safety concerns, including use of an unauthorised implant device, have already been contacted by the hospital. On Monday, the HSE ordered an external review of orthopaedic surgery at Temple Street Hospital following a number of “serious spinal surgical incidents”.