Parents to Advise Terms of Reference for Statutory Inquiry into CHI Care for Children with Scoliosis and Spina Bifida
- Dignity 4Patients
- Nov 13
- 3 min read
By Eilish O'Regan- 13/11/2025- Irish Independent- [Ireland]
A full statutory public inquiry into the care of children with spina bifida and scoliosis at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) was promised yesterday to parents, who will be asked to join in drawing up the terms of reference.
The promise in principle was given by Tánaiste Simon Harris and Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill during a meeting with the parents of the late Harvey Morrison Sherratt and advocacy groups at Leinster House.
The plan for a tribunal of inquiry into the care of these children will be brought to the Cabinet.
Speaking after the meeting, Gillian Sherratt and Stephen Morrison, the Scoliosis Advocacy Network and the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group spoke of their relief, saying: “A full statutory inquiry was what we have wanted all along.”
In a statement, they said the Tánaiste and the Health Minister “have agreed in principle to bring to Cabinet the recommendation for a statutory public inquiry”. They were told in principle it would be a tribunal of inquiry into the care of children living with spina bifida and scoliosis.
“A facilitator or mediator will be put in place to ensure that the terms of reference are acceptable to both groups. This will ensure that the child’s and parents’ voice remain central throughout the process,” they said.
“We are hopeful that the result of this inquiry will mean there will be true and substantial change going forward so that no child will ever be failed in the same manner as Harvey was.”
Scoliosis and spina bifida services at CHI have been at the centre of controversy for years over long waiting lists, with children in some cases waiting years for surgery. Last year it emerged that experimental implants were used on a number of children.
It recently emerged that a whistleblower from CHI made a protected disclosure in August regarding Harvey Morrison Sherratt.
Harvey (9) suffered from spina bifida and scoliosis, and waited in pain for nearly three years for spinal surgery. The whistleblower alleged that Harvey was mistakenly taken off the waiting list because he was deemed to be in palliative care.
CHI said it only received the protected disclosure from the HSE on Monday.
The Department of Health said “it would not comment on individual disclosures.
“Protected disclosures received via the ministerial reporting channel must be forwarded directly to the protected disclosures commissioner within 10 calendar days of receipt,” it added.
It was originally sent to Ms Carroll MacNeill during the summer and given to the protected disclosures commissioner.
It was then given to the HSE in September, which sought further information from the whistleblower.
The protected disclosure said Harvey was deemed to be “suitable for surgery once bone density is improved” by a consultant surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital who examined him in May last year.
Harvey was operated on in late 2024 when the curve in his spine had reached 130 degrees, but he died on July 29 last.
Mr Harris and Ms Carroll MacNeill said the meeting was “collaborative and constructive”. They added they were grateful to the family for their time and engagement, and a memo will be brought to government recommending the inquiry.
“A considerable body of work will be required, and a facilitator will be appointed to scope the content of potential terms of reference in collaboration with stakeholders.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article and were abused in state run medical and health facilities, you can contact Dignity4Patients, whose helpline is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm.
Dignity4Patients Commentary: We’re heartened to see the Scoliosis Group finally secure a statutory public inquiry. This marks an important step toward truth and accountability. It is encouraging to see the Minister for Health @CarrollJenifer and Tánaiste @SimonHarrisTD use the inquiry process to provide this truth recovery process.
Survivors and victims of Michael Shine also await news of their own statutory inquiry. This development gives renewed hope that their voices will soon be heard.
