'Very weak' systems at Temple Street Hospital, says Shortall

Vivienne Clarke

Social Democrats TD Róisín Shortall has said that there appeared to be “very weak” systems in place at Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, Ms Shortall said it was a concern that issues over the use of unauthorised springs in spinal surgery had not been raised before now.

“There was that lack of clarity in relation to why there isn't adequate management and clinical governance within Temple Street. We want responses from Temple Street and from CHI in particular.

“And in relation to what is happening in the meantime, we can't wait for the result of this wider review. Obviously, it's important that that takes place, but in the meantime, we need to hear that progress is being made in terms of the governance of Temple Street.

“But we also need, and parents in particular, need an assurance that there is an interim plan. If surgeries have been suspended in Temple Street, what is the interim plan then for their return?

“What about the children that need surgeries now? We can't have a situation where surgeries are being suspended. All possible capacity within the system, within Crumlin, within Cappagh, for example, and some of the capacity in Temple Street must be utilised to the fullest because the most important thing here is to ensure that surgeries resume, that they resume safely, and that progress is made in tackling the very, very large waiting list.”

There remained issues about trust and communication with parents, she said.

“Overall, I think there is a question here that when things go wrong, especially in the health service, that we need full open disclosure and senior officials and consultants need to understand that they have a duty of candour.

“We should have learned those lessons from the past. And unfortunately, we didn't get that kind of disclosure in relation to this whole issue over recent weeks and months, starting with the questions that Paul Murphy had submitted before the summer. But, you know, it has been, since this issue broke two weeks ago, it has been a battle to get to the bottom of it and to find out the details and to get people to publish reports and reviews that were done and to answer questions.”