Inquiry into scoliosis and spina bifida care hoped to bring ‘justice for Harvey’

By Rebecca Black, PA

A commitment for an inquiry into the care of children with scoliosis and spina bifida is hoped to “bring some justice” for a boy who died earlier this year.

Stephen Morrison and Gillian Sherratt welcomed the promise of the probe following a meeting with Tánaiste Simon Harris on Monday.

It comes after HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster apologised to them following the death of their son, Harvey Morrison Sherratt, for their experience of being “let down by the healthcare system”.

They said their nine-year-old son, who had scoliosis and spina bifida, waited years for spinal surgery, during which time the curve in his spine went from 75 degrees to 130 degrees.

By the time Harvey received spinal surgery last December, the curve had reached the point where it could not be fully corrected.

The curve caused his rib cage to twist around his lungs and heart, severely restricting his breathing.

Harvey died on July 29th.

His parents met with Mr Harris and Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill on Monday evening.

Speaking afterwards, Ms Sherratt said she hopes the inquiry will bring about change.

“Simon Harris and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill have committed to an inquiry into spina bifida and scoliosis care at Children’s Health Ireland,” she told media outside government buildings.

“The terms of reference of this inquiry are to be drawn up in collaboration with parental advocacy groups, the Scoliosis Advocacy Network and the Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group, and the Minister for Health and Tanaiste.

“We will be having a follow-up meeting, which should occur in three weeks’ time, and we hope that this inquiry will be the start of bringing about real, substantial change and bring some justice for Harvey.”