Temple Street spinal care review
Connolly seeks an update on the delayed external review of spinal care at Temple Street amid several other investigations. O’Callaghan cannot provide a completion date and will obtain information from the Health Minister.
I have a specific question on the external review into spinal care in Temple Street hospital which began in September 2023, nearly two years. I understand it is still at phase 1. That report was on top of all the reports we know about, such as the Boston review on spinal surgery for patients with spina bifida; the HIQA review on the use of surgical implants in September 2023; and the Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip published in 2025. This is the fourth report, not to mention all the internal reports. Where is this report at? The Minister knows the disquiet on the ground and that people are asking for an independent inquiry. We know what inquiries lead to. Can we have a date for the report? Has part of it gone to the Minister and has part of it gone relevant Minister? Where are we with the status of that report?
Comment on this
In fairness, the Deputy asked a straightforward question. I do not have that information. I will ask the Minister for Health to give me the specific information in respect of it. However, there was an announcement today that it is the Minister's intention to fully integrate CHI into the HSE, which is a positive development. There has been a number of reviews recently focused on the paediatric services in CHI. The Nayagam review is also under way-----
Comment on this
That is the one I am interested in.
Comment on this
-----phase 2 of which is reviewing the service, including the governance being provided by the paediatric surgery service at Temple Street. I cannot tell the Deputy when it will be finished.
Comment on this
Is it part of the report already?
Comment on this
My instruction is that it is not yet with the Minister. I will ask the Minister when it will be available.