Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge directs records be provided to family of girl who had allegedly 'inappropriate' surgery at Temple St

Date
2023-11-07

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Tallaght

County
Dublin

Summary

Mr Justice David Nolan adjourned High Court proceedings for one week, directing Children's Health Ireland (CHI) to provide outstanding medical records for a young girl with Spina Bifida or explain why they cannot. The girl's family, represented by John Healy SC and Michael Devitt BL, alleged she underwent 'inappropriate' spinal surgery at Temple Street Hospitals, resulting in serious post-operative complications and a split spine. They sought an injunction to compel CHI to release all remaining documentation, including X-ray scans and internal medical reviews, to allow independent expert assessment. CHI, represented by Oonah McCrann SC and Rory White BL, stated it had already provided over 6,600 documents and would supply any additional material if it exists. The judge declined to make formal orders at this stage, noting CHI's assurance that it would furnish the remaining pieces. He emphasized the court's primary concern for the child's welfare and the need to restore trust between the parties. The matter was adjourned to allow CHI to either provide the requested material or give a full explanation to the court regarding any withheld documents. The girl is one of 19 children subject to a report on spinal surgeries at Temple Street.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge directs records be provided to family of girl who had allegedly 'inappropriate' surgery at Temple St. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

2023-11-07 Publication

Why: This, the judge said, was because the CHI had assured the court that it will provide any remaining pieces of documentation, including any medical reviews and X-ray scans, that had not already been provided. CNI source report