Critical questions about CHI’s current fitness to continue
Critical questions about CHI’s current fitness to continue - The Labour Party
- Damning HIQA report reflects deep dysfunction in CHI
Labour Health Spokesperson Marie Sherlock TD today responding to the HIQA report into the unauthorised use of unregulated springs in surgery undertaken in Temple Street, said the report makes damning findings into the deep dysfunction that had existed in Temple Street children’s hospital and across Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) since 2018.
Deputy Sherlock said:
“The findings today paint an appalling picture. From the non existence of proper processes when using implantable medical devices, to the lack of accountability relating to the few processes that were in place, to the very poor culture of management and over-stretched, and at times non-existent, system of oversight. This is a damning report and all took place due to a vacuum of leadership in CHI.
“HIQA has issued 9 recommendations each to be implemented by the board of CHI and by the HSE. Three critical questions now arise for the board of CHI. Firstly, we need to hear what CHI has done to fix the deeply serious organisational, oversight and accountability problems across both Temple Street and Crumlin Hospital since November 2023, when the investigation into this report commenced. Secondly, we need to understand whether CHI now has the capacity to implement the recommendations of the HIQA report and undertake a very major policy overhaul, while also trying to manage the transition to the new children’s hospital. And thirdly, we need to hear what impact these changes will have on the people at the very heart of the scandal, the children who have been waiting inordinate lengths of time to access necessary health care.
“While the actions of the surgeon at the heart of the controversy were deemed to be “well intentioned,” HIQA is unequivocal that those actions were wrong. While the fall out from today’s report will understandably focus on the vacuum of oversight, the excessive degree of autonomy and lack of accountability that enabled the situation to arise, we also have to be clear that even in dysfunction environments, patients rely on clinicians to do the right thing.
“It is vital now that in implementing the very necessary recommendations, that there is not an over-correction and that medical and technological innovation in how children are treated and waiting lists dealt with are disproportionately stifled.”