CHI opens helpline for families of children expecting spinal surgery at Temple Street
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A helpline is now open for families whose child is expecting spinal surgery through the Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) hospital group with staff on hand to answer queries linked to controversy over safety concerns.
Families directly impacted by the particular safety concerns, including use of an unauthorised implant device, have already been contacted by the hospital. On Monday, the HSE ordered an external review of orthopaedic surgery at Temple Street Hospital following a number of “serious spinal surgical incidents”.
One child has died among a group of 19 who faced a number of issues. An unusually high rate of post-surgery complications, such as requiring unplanned follow-on surgery, was identified among 16 children after concerns were raised by staff.
CHI found, in three cases, an unauthorised implanted medical device was used; one of these three was also affected by post-surgery complications.
The helpline number is: 01 409 6117. It is now open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
The hospital has said it is for use by families of spinal surgery patients at Temple Street. Staff will be able to answer clinical queries, and if appropriate can liaise with clinical staff to find out information for families.
However helpline staff are not in a position to answer questions relating to dates for surgeries at this time, a hospital spokeswoman said. They have already dealt with some families, and have prepared answers to the most commonly asked queries.
There were three patients affected by this issue, and they have been contacted.
CHI has commissioned a team external to CHI to investigate this very serious matter. In the unlikely event that any further issues arise relating to surgical implants, these patients will be contacted directly and urgently.
CHI are writing to all patients/families on the spinal surgery waiting list to inform them of any change in regard to their treating consultant. This communication will be issued to families by post by Tuesday, September 26, 2023.
CHI will contact parents and families to inform them of any change in regard to their treating consultant.
The setting up of this helpline follows the transfer of complex spinal surgery for children with spina bifida at CHI at Temple Street to the sister hospital CHI at Crumlin site only, with fears growing of potential delays.
A consultant surgeon at the centre of the controversy over the use of an unauthorised medical device implanted into three children and other issues has been on leave with patients under their care transferred to Crumlin hospital.
CHI on Monday published a summary report of two reviews carried out into safety concerns highlighted previously by staff and advocates for families. The HSE also announced a separate external review which will be run by a Liverpool-based specialist.
“CHI deeply regrets that children and families did not receive the treatment and care that they are entitled to, and that they deserve,” a spokeswoman said. “We wish to unreservedly apologise to all those impacted by the actions that are the subject of this report.”
She re-iterated all families affected by the concerns have been contacted, while saying CHI “acknowledges the anxiety that this news may cause to our patients and their families“.
She added: “We would like to reassure all other families in our orthopaedic services that if you have not been contacted by CHI about these matters, then these reviews do not involve your child and you do not need to take any action.”