A commitment for an inquiry into the care of children with scoliosis and spina bifida is hoped to bring some justice for a young boy who tragically died earlier this year.
Stephen Morrison and Gillian Sherratt welcomed the promise of the probe following a meeting with Tánaiste Simon Harris on Monday. This commitment comes after HSE Chief Executive Bernard Gloster issued an apology to them, acknowledging their experience of being let down by the healthcare system.
Their nine-year-old son, Harvey Morrison Sherratt, who had scoliosis and spina bifida, waited years for spinal surgery. During that time, the curvature in his spine worsened significantly, increasing from 75 degrees to 130 degrees. By the time Harvey received surgery last December, the curve had progressed to a point where it could no longer be fully corrected. The severe spinal deformity caused his rib cage to twist around his lungs and heart, severely restricting his breathing.
Harvey sadly passed away on July 29th.
On Monday evening, his parents met with Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. Speaking after the meeting, Ms. Sherratt expressed hope that the inquiry would lead to meaningful change.
Simon Harris and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill have committed to an inquiry into the care provided for children with spina bifida and scoliosis at Children’s Health Ireland.
The terms of reference for this inquiry will be developed in collaboration with parental advocacy groups, including the Scoliosis Advocacy Network and the Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group, alongside the Minister for Health and the Tánaiste.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled to take place in approximately three weeks. Ms. Sherratt said they hope this inquiry will mark the beginning of real, substantial improvements and bring some justice for Harvey.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/inquiry-into-scoliosis-and-spina-bifida-care-hoped-to-bring-justice-for-harvey-1812722.html
