Children suffering from spina bifida have been let down by an under-resourced healthcare system for years. Waiting lists for surgery have improved, but for many they remain stubbornly long.
The HSE’s admission that there are serious concerns over the safety of some surgeries performed on children with the condition at Temple Street children’s hospital will only deepen the anxiety and frustration of those left waiting for vital corrective surgery and their families.
A UK expert is to review the surgeries carried out by one consultant at the hospital after an internal review identified “serious spinal surgical incidents”.
The shocking allegation that unapproved, non-medical objects were implanted into children during surgeries must also be investigated.
Conor McGregor presidential bid: All but one of 188 councillors would not vote for MMA fighter, survey shows
Myanmar earthquake death toll hits 1,644 as international aid starts to arrive
Denmark rebukes US for hostile tone after Vance’s Greenland trip
Ireland weather: Sunshine and temperatures up to 17 degrees expected, say Met Éireann
On today’s In the News podcast, Irish Times Health Editor Paul Cullen tells Bernice Harrison about a major medical controversy that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has called ‘very alarming’.
And he explains why the review of orthopaedic surgery will be extended to the entire country.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon