It has been reported by the HSE that, following an internal examination, nineteen children suffered serious complications after spinal surgery in Temple Street Hospital. In a number of these cases it has also been reported that unauthorised devices were used in the course of these spinal surgeries.
Concern over Number of Complications
The internal examination followed concerns over the high incidence of complications in the aftermath of surgery in Temple Street Hospital.
External Review
The HSE has now commissioned an external review into the orthopedic surgical service within Temple Street Hospital. The HSE have instructed Mr Selvadurai Nayagam of the Royal Liverpool University and Royal Liverpool Children’s Hospitals to lead the review.
The primary focus of the external review will be the clinical care provided by an individual consultant based at Children’s Health Ireland (“CHI”) at Temple Street, who is currently not conducting surgeries.
Risk Assessment of Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr Colm Henry, the HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer said the review includes a risk assessment of orthopaedic surgery in CHI at Temple Street to be concluded “as soon as practicable and before the end of 2023”.
Context for the Review
Tánaiste Mr Micheál Martin has said he is not in a position to pre-empt the external review, but commented that it is “incumbent on the HSE and all involved in healthcare to make sure that the highest standards prevail and that we are very clear in making sure that optimal standards always prevail in situations such as this, where you have very difficult surgical procedures being carried out. That is the context for the review.”
For Further Information
For further advice or if you have been affected by this development please contact Avril Scally, Partner and Head of our award-winning Medical Negligence Team.
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