Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
512. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the status of the expert review of the paediatric orthopaedic surgery service at CHI; the timeline for the completion of the review; if he has received any interim reports to date; if so, his plans for the publication of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8844/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile concluding this review in a timely manner is important for all concerned, the review by Mr Nayagam is entirely independent. Therefore, a timeline for completion and publication of the independent review cannot be confirmed at this stage of the process. Mr Nayagam has advised he deems it necessary to review cases from additional patient cohorts. This includes additional cases that have been identified as part of an internal clinical assurance process as potential “cases of concern”. These families have been informed. Other cases were selected at random by Mr Nayagam's Independent Review team. These families have also been informed. Advocacy Groups have been advised that the first phase of the review will now be delayed, as well as of the necessity to review cases from additional patient cohorts. This first phase of the independent review is now expected to be completed in April 2024, after which the timeline for completion of the review and publication of the final report will become clearer. The final report will be published, and it is essential that the recommendations and learnings from this review is adopted and fully implemented.
