Uncertainty Surrounds the Future of Children's Health Ireland
Children's Health Ireland (CHI) is under scrutiny following a series of controversies, putting the future of the organization charged with operating three Dublin pediatric hospitals – Temple Street, Crumlin, and the National Children's Hospital at Tallaght – in question.
Recent events have raised concerns among parents, the public, and the political system, leading to a series of damning reports, the resignation of the CHI chairperson and several board members, and changes in senior management. Further review reports are expected to reveal more damaging revelations.
Established in 2018 as a statutory body, CHI took over governance of the three hospitals the following year. Its CEO reports to a 12-member board, which includes the chairperson, and holds around 25 meetings a year, with a minimum of six. Board members work on a voluntary basis, and expenses are claimed only if necessary. However, in 2023, only two members claimed expenses.
The most recent HIQA report into spinal operations led to the resignation of the chairperson, while four other board members have recently stepped down. The subsequent appointment of two members to the board from the HSE has raised questions about its governance structure.
CHI is responsible for the move to the new National Children's Hospital, a massive transformation project in the history of Irish healthcare. With the hospital due to open next summer, it remains uncertain whether CHI is capable of managing this project. Opposition politicians have called for CHI to merge with the HSE.
Governance concerns have been raised following a 2024 KPMG review, which questioned operational readiness for commissioning and operating the new National Children's Hospital. The report highlighted gaps in senior leadership teams, a lack of clarity around the future operating model and resourcing of the new hospital, and the drift in expected completion dates.
Recent reviews have revealed that many hip surgeries on children at Temple Street and Cappagh Orthopaedic hospitals were unnecessary, and concerns have arisen over serious spinal surgery incidents at Temple Street. A separate review by a UK expert is due to be completed soon regarding these matters.
The future of CHI is uncertain, given its recent controversies and more reports yet to be published. The government must address these challenges quickly, ensuring the safety of the service, and providing clarity on CHI's future. Major decisions lie ahead, as the future of pediatric healthcare for the next decade and beyond hinges on these decisions.
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In the midst of ongoing controversies surrounding Children's Health Ireland (CHI), questions about the organization's ability to manage medical-conditions effectively have escalated, particularly with the upcoming opening of the National Children's Hospital. These concerns are exacerbated by the recent KPMG report revealing gaps in senior leadership and a lack of clarity regarding the hospital's operation and resources.
The future of CHI's science-based operations and health-and-wellness services for Irish children hang in the balance, as the government must act swiftly to ensure the safety and efficiency of the service, and provide clarity on CHI's future amidst mounting reports and uncertainties.
