The Health Service Executive’s recent announcement that a comprehensive review of child hip surgery cases won’t begin until January 2025 has left hundreds of Irish families in limbo. For parents whose children may have undergone unnecessary operations, this delay adds another layer of uncertainty to an already devastating situation.
The announcement comes after a clinical audit revealed that nearly 70% of hip surgeries performed on children at two major Irish hospitals between 2021 and 2023 did not meet the accepted threshold for surgical intervention. This shocking discovery has raised serious questions about clinical governance, patient safety, and the need for immediate accountability within our healthcare system.
Understanding the Scale of the Problem
The clinical audit examined surgeries for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) across three hospitals: Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Temple Street, CHI at Crumlin, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC). The findings paint a troubling picture of inconsistent medical standards.
Key Findings from the Audit
Temple Street Hospital: 60% of reviewed surgeries (51 out of 85 cases) did not meet clinical criteria for operation.
National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh: An alarming 79% of surgeries (55 out of 70 cases) were deemed unnecessary.
CHI at Crumlin: Only one of 63 procedures was found to be inappropriate.
These stark differences between hospitals cannot be explained by clinical variation alone. The audit revealed that Temple Street and Cappagh were using significantly lower thresholds for recommending surgery compared to the standards applied at Crumlin.
When extrapolated across the full period, the audit suggests that approximately 500 children may have undergone major surgery they simply did not need.
The Human Cost of Medical Negligence
Behind these statistics are real families dealing with the devastating consequences of unnecessary medical intervention. Parents who trusted medical professionals with their children’s care now face the unthinkable reality that their child’s surgery, recovery, and ongoing complications may have been entirely preventable.
One mother, whose non-verbal six-year-old daughter underwent hip surgery in 2023, expressed the profound impact of learning her child’s operation was among those deemed unnecessary:
“To hear now that it was unnecessary is devastating. Absolutely devastating. We trusted what we were told and why wouldn’t you trust it?”
The psychological trauma extends beyond the children who underwent surgery. Parents report feeling betrayed, confused, and deeply concerned about their child’s long-term health outcomes. Many families have struggled to obtain clear information from healthcare providers, with some sending dozens of unanswered emails seeking post-surgery explanations.
Why the January Timeline Is Inadequate
The HSE’s decision to delay the individual case review until January 2025 has drawn significant criticism from patient advocacy groups and affected families. The Hip Dysplasia Advocacy Group, representing children who may have undergone unnecessary surgeries, has described the lack of communication with families as “unacceptable.”
Current Status of the Review Process
The HSE has confirmed that an international call for expert panel members closed in August, with submissions received from Ireland, the UK, the US, Canada, Asia, and other parts of Europe. These applications are currently undergoing a shortlisting and recruitment process, with the panel expected to convene in September.
However, the actual review of individual cases won’t commence until January, with the HSE citing the “complexity of the work involved” and the need for “a rigorous and comprehensive approach.”
What This Delay Means for Families
For the families affected, every day of delay represents another day of uncertainty about their child’s health and future. Many parents are left wondering:
- Was my child’s surgery truly necessary?
- What are the long-term implications of the operation?
- Could my child have avoided this procedure entirely?
- Am I entitled to compensation or remedial care?
The advocacy group has highlighted that there has been no direct correspondence from the HSE to potentially affected families, leaving them
“completely in the dark”
about the review process and criteria.
Legal Implications and Your Rights
The revelation that hundreds of children may have undergone unnecessary surgery raises serious questions about medical negligence and patient rights. Medical negligence occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide care that meets accepted standards, resulting in harm to the patient.
Key Legal Considerations
Informed Consent: Parents must be provided with comprehensive information about surgical risks and alternatives before consenting to their child’s operation.
Standard of Care: Medical professionals must adhere to accepted clinical guidelines when recommending surgical intervention.
Duty of Care: Healthcare providers have a fundamental obligation to act in their patients’ best interests.
When Surgery Goes Wrong
If your child underwent hip surgery at Temple Street or Cappagh between 2010 and 2023, you may be entitled to pursue a medical negligence claim. Such claims can help secure:
- Compensation for your child’s pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
- Coverage for ongoing medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Financial support for any long-term care needs
- Accountability from healthcare providers
Taking Action: What Parents Should Do Now
If you believe your child may have been affected by this scandal, taking prompt action is crucial. Here’s what we recommend:
Immediate Steps
Document Everything: Gather all medical records, correspondence, and documentation related to your child’s surgery and recovery.
Request Medical Records: Obtain complete copies of your child’s medical files from all healthcare providers involved in their care.
Join Support Groups: Connect with other affected families through advocacy organisations for mutual support and shared information.
Seek Independent Medical Assessment: Consider obtaining an independent medical evaluation of your child’s current condition.
Getting Professional Legal Advice
Given the complexity of medical negligence cases, seeking specialist legal advice is essential. At HOMS Assist, our experienced medical negligence solicitors understand the profound impact these situations have on families. We can:
- Review your child’s medical records and surgical history
- Arrange independent expert medical opinions
- Advise whether you have grounds for a medical negligence claim
- Guide you through the legal process with compassion and expertise
Our team has successfully represented numerous families in medical negligence cases, securing compensation and accountability for those who have suffered due to substandard care.
The Broader Implications for Irish Healthcare
This scandal extends beyond individual cases to highlight systemic failures within Ireland’s healthcare system. The stark differences in surgical rates between hospitals reveal inadequate standardisation of care and insufficient oversight of clinical decision-making.
Urgent Reforms Needed
Standardised Clinical Guidelines: All hospitals must implement and adhere to consistent, evidence-based criteria for surgical intervention.
Enhanced Peer Review: Regular systematic review of surgical decisions should be mandatory across all paediatric orthopaedic units.
Improved Communication: Healthcare providers must maintain transparent, ongoing dialogue with patients and families throughout the treatment process.
Stronger Governance: Robust oversight mechanisms are essential to prevent such widespread failures from occurring again.
Moving Forward: Hope for Change
While the HSE’s delayed response has been disappointing, this scandal has prompted important discussions about healthcare reform and patient safety. The establishment of dedicated helplines and patient advocacy groups demonstrates recognition of the seriousness of the situation.
Support Resources Available
HSE Helpline: 1800 807 050 (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm) provides information and support for affected families.
Patient Advocacy Groups: Independent organisations offer peer support and guidance for navigating the healthcare system.
Legal Support: Specialist medical negligence solicitors can provide expert advice on your rights and options for seeking justice.
Your Path to Justice and Closure
The discovery that hundreds of children may have undergone unnecessary hip surgery represents one of the most significant medical scandals in recent Irish history. While the HSE’s review process moves slowly forward, affected families cannot afford to wait for institutional accountability.
If your child was treated at Temple Street or Cappagh, you deserve answers, accountability, and appropriate compensation for any harm suffered. The legal system provides a vital pathway for securing justice when healthcare providers fail in their duty of care.
At HOMS Assist, we understand the emotional toll this situation takes on families. Our compassionate, expert legal team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from initial case assessment through to final resolution. We work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for medical negligence are held accountable and that affected families receive the support and compensation they deserve.
Don’t let institutional delays prevent you from seeking the justice your family deserves. Contact HOMS Assist today for confidential, expert legal advice about your child’s case and your options for moving forward.
Rachael O’Shaughnessy is a medical negligence solicitor specialising in hospital care standards and patient rights. If you believe you may have experienced medical negligence, seek professional legal advice to understand your options.
