Government commits to holding inquiry into spina bifida and scoliosis care at CHI

Harvey Morrison Sherratt, who was nine-years-old, had scoliosis and spina bifida and waited years for spinal surgery. During this time, the curve in his spine went from 75 degrees to 130 degrees. Picture: Morrison/Sherratt family

The Government is to launch an inquiry into spina bifida and scoliosis care at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI).

Tánaiste Simon Harris and health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill made the commitment to the parents of Harvey Morrison Sherratt, after a meeting on Monday evening.

Harvey, who was nine years old, had scoliosis and spina bifida and waited years for spinal surgery. During this time, the curve in his spine went from 75 degrees to 130 degrees.

However, by the time of his surgery last December, the curve had reached a point where it was not possible to fully correct it. Harvey died on July 29.

Speaking after the meeting, Gillian Sherratt confirmed that Mr Harris and Ms Carroll MacNeill had committed to an inquiry.

Ms Sherratt said the terms of reference for the inquiry would be drawn up “in collaboration with parental advocacy groups”, including the Scoliosis Advocacy Network and the Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group.

She added they would have a follow-up meeting with Mr Harris and Ms Carroll MacNeill in three weeks.

“We hope that this inquiry will be the start of bringing about real substantial change and bringing some justice for Harvey,” Ms Sherratt said.

Earlier this month, HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster apologised to the parents of Harvey, saying they had been “let down by the healthcare system”.