In recent days, a story published by the Irish Independent has drawn attention to a troubling situation at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI). An internal review revealed that some children may have experienced delays in treatment following clinics held at Crumlin Hospital in 2021. These clinics were part of a waiting list initiative funded by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). However, according to the report, some children were added to already lengthy inpatient waiting lists instead of being referred to consultants with shorter lists.
The report acknowledged that this could have led to negative outcomes - but CHI chose not to inform families. Their rationale? There was, they said, no conclusive scientific evidence that harm had occurred.
This has rightly caused upset. Advocacy groups have spoken out, with Claire Cahill of the Scoliosis Advocacy Network stating: “Families have a right to know. Transparency is not optional – it’s a duty.”
The full article can be read here: Irish Independent: Parents of children at potential risk call for full disclosure from Children’s Health Ireland
This call for transparency aligns perfectly with the principles of the HSE Patient Safety Pledge, a cornerstone of the emerging global movement of Compassionate Leadership in Healthcare. This initiative commits healthcare staff to vital values such as empathy, transparency and respect.
What’s particularly striking is not only the potential risk to children, but the decision to keep families in the dark. Whether harm is confirmed or not, the idea that parents should be told when something may have gone wrong is now central to the way we think about patient safety.
It’s an issue we’ve encountered first-hand at Whelan Law: we are currently working with the family of a woman who died following what independent experts believe was a serious medication error. Despite her death in 2021, the hospital involved has not provided an apology or an explanation – something the family finds incredibly difficult to accept. While the Patient Safety Act 2023, which came into effect after her death, aims to address such situations by requiring healthcare providers to disclose serious incidents, it unfortunately still does not compel apologies except in very limited circumstances, leaving hospitals within their rights to deny liability and remain silent.
That legal gap underscores the continued importance of scrutiny, accountability, and respectful public dialogue. The CHI case has touched a nerve because it resonates with families who feel unheard. It highlights that transparency isn't just a policy - it’s a commitment. A commitment to transparency, to respect, and to doing better.