The CHI have today published the report of Boston Children’s Hospital on spinal surgeries carried out on young patients with Spina Bifida. The report followed a review carried out at the request of Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) subsequent to their own internal review. The reviews were instigated following serious concerns raised regarding significant post-operative complications arising.

The external group of experts examined the records of 16 children who underwent spinal surgery at Temple Street Children’s Hospital. Of those 16 young patients, thirteen required further surgeries due to post-surgical complications. 12 of the children suffered infections to their wounds. 

The children involved were between 5 and 11 years of age. 11 were girls. The children underwent various forms of spinal surgery. Those that had spinal fusions made up the largest number of those that required follow-up surgeries due to complications, followed by those that required the fitting of growing rods.

The report recommended that a specialised spinal team be assembled for theatre, to include anaesthetists, orthopaedic surgeons, nurses and other surgeons where necessary “in order to improve team cohesion and ultimately improve patient outcomes, prevent medical errors, improve efficiency and decrease complications”.

It also recommended that the CHI should implement a coaching/mentoring programme to increase peer responsibility for excellent outcomes.

A further external review into practices at CHI Temple Street is now to be carried out by Mr. Selvadurai Nayagam, a consultant in orthopaedics and trauma at Royal Liverpool University and Royal Liverpool Children’s Hospital. A National Review into children’s orthopaedic services across CHI is also to be carried out by Mr. Nayagam.

The medical negligence team here at Coleman Legal LLP are highly experienced and competent in the area of clinical negligence. We will discuss your situation with you in complete confidence.

If you are concerned about the clinical care that your child received while undergoing spinal surgery in Temple Street Children’s Hospital, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We will advise you as to your legal rights and support you throughout the entire process. Learn more