Call for scoliosis inquiry to focus on harm to children
A solicitor who represents families of children with scoliosis, spina bifida and other issues has warned that if the recommendations of the Government's scoping report on child spinal care is followed "hundreds of families will be excluded".
Solicitor Raymond Bradley has warned that if the Irish government's scoping report on child spinal care recommendations are implemented, hundreds of families with children suffering from conditions like scoliosis and spina bifida could be left out of the inquiry. Bradley, representing families in Malcomson Law, argues that the inquiry should focus on the harm caused to these children, including loss of quality of life and altered life paths, rather than just administrative issues.
He criticizes the proposed inquiry's limited scope, stating that it will only involve Children's Health Ireland (CHI) and exclude other relevant healthcare entities such as the Department of Health, Health Service Executive (HSE), and the Healthcare Quality Authority (HIQA). Bradley contends that families seek a tribunal for public accountability, and that a private inquiry process set up as per the scoping report contradicts the public nature of the proceedings.
He emphasizes that families should have the right to decide on anonymity or public disclosure, stressing that it's not a paternalistic nation. The Department of Health has responded, stating that the scoping report has been completed and will be published with a scheduled Dáil discussion.
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