Plans to subsume CHI into HSE would have 'no clear benefits'

Mo Flynn said: 'The Irish Voluntary Healthcare Association does not support any attempts to subsume voluntary hospitals under the aegis of the HSE. This would be a highly complex process with no clear practical benefits to patient care.' Picture: Colin/Collins

Any plans to subsume Children’s Health Ireland into the HSE would not be supported by the national association representing voluntary hospitals and healthcare organisations.

Irish Voluntary Healthcare Association CEO Mo Flynn spoke out after it emerged health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is actively considering this move.

Ms Flynn said scrutiny of clinical failings at CHI is “necessary and appropriate”. This follows a series of critical reports on spinal care and surgery particularly for hip dysplasia at the hospitals.

“However, questioning the voluntary hospital model itself and its governance based on isolated incidents is misplaced,” she told the Irish Examiner on Wednesday.

“The Irish Voluntary Healthcare Association does not support any attempts to subsume voluntary hospitals under the aegis of the HSE. This would be a highly complex process with no clear practical benefits to patient care.” 

Its members include the Mercy University Hospital in Cork and St John’s Hospital in Limerick. The members treated almost 2m patients last year.

“These hospitals are subject to rigorous oversight and consistently deliver high-quality care," she said.

“Direct governance by the state has not prevented some well documented challenges in statutory hospitals.” 

Good clinical and corporate governance is not the prerogative of any one institution or system but should be something that all hospitals, voluntary and HSE run, strive for.

Meanwhile Una Keightley, co-founder of the Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group, said it has been a very distressing few months.

“Teenagers are aware of these issues, they’re texting each other and chatting about it,” she said. “You can only hide it from them for so long. They’re terrified and we can’t reassure families."

She added “a couple of parents” have told her that their teens are now refusing care and refusing to attend CHI.

She welcomed four resignations from the CHI board, and called on new appointees to listen to families.

A spokeswoman for Ms Carroll MacNeill said the service level agreement between the HSE and CHI will be strengthened. 

CHI will receive "increased involvement and support from the Dublin Midlands Region regional executive officer (REO) and senior management."

She also said: "Further arrangements are being considered."

In response to Ms Keightley’s fears, she said: "It is understandable but very regrettable that the publication of these reports causes worry and loss of trust in CHI for many parents.” 

"The Minister is committed to directing a strong response to the findings and recommendations of the key reports recently published.”