Children with additional medical conditions excluded from CHI Hip review – Boland

Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) today confirmed that children with additional medical conditions who underwent hip dysplasia surgery were excluded from the Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) review, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Grace Boland received this admission at today’s Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee when she asked for details from CHI regarding the scope and fairness of the DDH review.

Deputy Boland said: “CHI committed to carrying out a comprehensive review of the DDH surgeries, but it has now transpired that some more vulnerable children were excluded.

“Parents are aware that their children are not treated equally. One mother contacted me about her two daughters. One had hip surgery in Cappagh Hospital and was included in the review as her surgery was carried out in 2021. However, her sister, who has an additional medical condition and had the same hip surgery in Temple Street in 2022, has not. When their mother queried this with Children’s Health Ireland, she was advised her daughter was not considered as part of the review because of her additional medical condition.

“Every child deserves equal care, regardless of their medical background. It is deeply concerning to me that CHI have confirmed that children with additional conditions were not automatically included in the DDH review.

“These are often the most vulnerable children in our healthcare system and they must not be overlooked. Parents should not be burdened to contact CHI and request a review into their child’s care.

“This is an opportunity for CHI to lead with fairness and empathy. Let’s make sure every child receives the care, attention, and follow-up they need, without exception,” Deputy Boland concluded.