HSE CEO admits spinal surgery wait lists will increase without surgeon at centre of probe

Bernard Gloster also said it is his understanding that the group CEO Eilish Hardiman was not aware a technique involving the use of springs unauthorized for that purpose was being used in three of the 19 children whose care is under review. Picture Denis Minihane.

There are almost 300 children waiting for spinal surgery at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) and that number will go up, with a surgeon at the centre of a safety concerns controversy ceasing operations, the head of the HSE has admitted.

This follows widespread concern over revelations of serious safety concerns linked to complex spinal surgery for children with spina bifida in CHI at Temple Street.