CHI cites legal advice in withholding report on children’s care delays

A general view of Irish children's hospital Temple Street Hospital in Dublin. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) has said, based on legal advice, it cannot publish a 2021 report on waiting list issues due to confidentiality concerns.

The review reportedly found that treatment for seriously ill children was delayed and that a toxic culture existed in the department under examination.

It was not shared with the HSE or the minister for health until after it was highlighted by the Sunday Times last week.

The issue was discussed in the Dáil and widely reported in the media. Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill indicated she is considering integrating CHI into the HSE.

In a statement, a CHI spokeswoman said they take the report “very seriously,” as they do with all such reviews.

“CHI considered the request to publish this report and sought legal advice, however, it is primarily a HR report where the confidentiality of those who participated and fair procedures need to be respected given the sensitive nature of the report,” she said.

She also raised questions about what she described as “inaccurate” issues discussed, specifically regarding “NTPF payments to a consultant.”

The National Treatment Purchase Fund covers the cost of public patients on waiting lists being treated in private healthcare facilities in Ireland.

She said: “CHI can confirm that these clinics did not take place in the Consultant’s private rooms. They occurred in a public clinic, in one of its hospitals, on a Saturday.

“It was a waiting list initiative for an outpatient appointment only. The NTPF funded the hospital for this waiting list initiative and there was no charge to patients. This was over and above the consultant’s contractual hours. There are no direct payments to CHI staff from NTPF.” 

Lucy Nugent, CHI CEO said: “In recent days, there has been significant public commentary regarding Children’s Health Ireland.

“I want to be clear that my priority as CEO is — and always has been — the operational governance of our organisation, positive experiences and outcomes for our children and young people as well as the ongoing support of our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly every day to care for children and young people.”