Inquiry into child spina bifida and scoliosis agreed by Government

Gillian and Stephen Morrison Sherratt, whose son Harvey died after long delays for treatment, at Government Buildings last week ahead of their meeting with Tánaiste Simon Harris and health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews

The Government has agreed to a statutory public inquiry into spina bifida and complex scoliosis services.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, a spokesperson for the Department of Health said the Government agreed that a facilitator will be appointed "to consult with stakeholders on scoping the content of potential terms of reference for an inquiry". 

The spokesperson said the Department of Health will consult closely with the Office of the Attorney General "on progressing this exercise following this decision of Government".

The inquiry itself will be "a time-bound exercise", the spokesperson said, adding that there was a "considerable body of work to be undertaken to ensure that we ultimately have the clearest possible terms of reference for a statutory inquiry".  The spokesperson added: 

It is important that the many issues raised are carefully considered as to what may be the best way to achieve the outcomes sought by families and other stakeholders. 

"Once this scoping exercise is complete, further Government approval will be sought for the final terms of reference."

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill brought a memo to Cabinet on Tuesday afternoon recommending the establishment of a statutory public model of inquiry.

Meeting with Harvey's parents 

The announcement of the inquiry follows a meeting last Wednesday between Ms Carroll MacNeill, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and Gillian and Stephen Morrison Sherratt, the parents of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt, who died in July after facing long delays for treatment for his scoliosis.

Harvey had undergone surgery last December at Temple Street Hospital but died seven months later after his condition deteriorated.

His parents, along with advocacy groups, had consistently called for an inquiry into scoliosis and spina bifida care at Children's Health Ireland (CHI).