Paul Murphy
Question:1737. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health what date in 2022 were spina bifida-related surgeries at Temple Street formally suspended. [18067/23]
View answerTuesday, 18 April 2023
Questions (1737, 1738, 1739)
Paul Murphy
Question:1738. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health in relation to the external clinical review of spinal surgery at Temple Street, what date was the review formally commissioned; why this external review was commissioned; what factors were involved in choosing a person (details supplied) to lead the external review; whether any other clinicians or hospitals considered to lead it; when the report is expected; and whether it will be published. [18068/23]
View answerPaul Murphy
Question:1739. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health in relation to the internal review of spinal surgery at Temple Street on what date this review was formally commissioned; the person or body that is conducting the internal review; and what factors were involved in choosing the person or body to lead this review. [18069/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1737 to 1739, inclusive, together.
In relation to the particular query raised, Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) has advised my Department that Kyphectomy surgeries were paused from the 7th of November 2022.
CHI has further advised that the internal review of spinal surgery in Temple Street was commissioned on the 7th of November 2022 and is being undertaken by a Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon and a Consultant Anaesthesiologist. The internal reviewers were chosen as individuals with knowledge of local systems. In addition an understanding of the complexity of care involved was required.
Actions taken to safeguard quality and safety are normal practice in healthcare and are ultimately in the best interest of the children and young people CHI treats. In order to ensure CHI maintains good standards of quality, safety and best practice in its service, Children’s Health Ireland requested an external clinical review of the spinal surgeries carried out on children with spina bifida over the past 3 years. CHI wanted independent, expert clinicians from a recognised centre of excellence to lead the review and chose Boston Children's Hospital. Other clinicians and hospitals were not considered.
CHI has advised that the contract with the reviewers was signed on 23rd March 2023. The report is expected in July. It will not be published but the recommendations will be shared.
Question No. 1738 answered with Question No. 1737.
Question No. 1739 answered with Question No. 1737.