Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has expressed his disdain to the board of Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) over the unavailability of extra bed space, diagnostics, and staffing supported by government finances for youngsters requiring spinal surgeries. In a letter to board chairman Dr. Jim Browne, the Minister emphasised the necessity for these amenities to be set aside exclusively for children in need of these operations, which would enable surgeons to operate at full capacity.
The Minister highlighted ongoing collaborations with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund to enhance spinal surgery capacity through both national and international outsourcing.
Mr Donnelly dismissed the board’s concerns over his refusal to extend the tenure of former CHI CEO Eilish Hardiman. He pointed to a governmental policy stating that CEOs should not serve beyond two terms of five years each.
Dr Browne expressed the board’s disappointment and shock at the refusal to reappoint Ms Hardiman in a letter dated December 24th. He stated the board’s belief in the need for leadership stability and continuity as CHI readies for the transition to the new national children’s hospital, and estimated that the recruitment process for a new CEO would take several months.
In his response, Mr Donnelly expressed his worry about the potential risks mentioned by the board relating to a change in CEO. He stated that it was essential for the board to have planned adequately for succession.
The Minister expressed concerns regarding CHI’s management of spinal surgeries and noted that despite substantial financial support from consecutive governments to CHI, waiting lists have not been reduced. He concluded, stating that the children have been failed time and time again.
In 2022, Mr Donnelly declared his assurance that the Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) pledged no child would wait more than four months for necessary medical assistance by year’s end. However, he has expressed disappointment that this commitment has not been fulfilled, stating that this inability to significantly reduce spinal surgery waiting times has eroded public faith in CHI.
Mr Donnelly has identified that a contributing factor to these extended waiting times was the inadequate number of operating theatres and dedicated paediatric beds. It was clear from his dialogues with hospital staff and patients’ parents that this was a primary issue impacting timely treatment.
Despite significant investment aimed at boosting diagnosis capabilities, bed availability and staffing, he deemed it unacceptable that the requisite resources were not in place for paediatric patients.
He firmly stated that the CHI board has a responsibility to ensure that all the necessary resources, including diagnostic facilities, operating theatres, and post-surgery care, are set aside to cater solely to the treatment of children. This measure will enable surgeons to fully utilise their skills and resources in treating these young patients.