CHI Responds To Claims That Appointments For Boy With Spina Bifida Are Being Pushed Out

Kfm sought clarity on the reasons behind claims that appointments are being pushed out, but a spokesperson for CHI said there is "always a rationale" for when assessments take place and that they are based on a child's needs.

It is not a "one size fits all" approach.

That's according to Children's Health Ireland after Kfm queried claims that a boy from Monasterevin with spina bifida only has an assessment every 18 months instead of one year as originally expected by his mother.

Kfm sought clarity on the reasons behind claims that appointments are being pushed out, but a spokesperson for CHI said there is "always a rationale" for when assessments take place and that they are based on a child's needs.

In a statement to Kfm, CHI outlined the normal pathway at Temple Street for spina bifida patients, specifically babies.

They said babies are seen at four, ten and eighteen months, and then annually - typically within 13 to 14 months but "close to a year". 

A spinal consultant is available where required, and cancellations are described as "rare", with most reviews going ahead even if one specialist is absent, according to a spokesperson for CHI. 

"If any family has any worries about their child's spine between annual review appointments, they are advised to contact the team directly or ask their GP to send a letter," the spokesperson said.

They added: "Cancellation of annual review appointments for spina bifida patients are rare. There are many different specialists at these clinics, so if one can't make it, the appointment usually goes ahead with the rest of the team anyway. Then an additional appointment is arranged for the child to see the missing consultant if needed."

It comes following concerns raised by local mother Lisa Brett.

Her son Eddie has spina bifida, and, according to his mother, has had appointments pushed from a year to 18 months.

Ms Brett recently attended the funeral of Clondalkin boy Harvey Morrison.

The 9-year-old had scoliosis and spina bifida.

He died two weeks ago after a short illness and he had faced delays in accessing surgery.

Speaking to Kfm, Ms Brett said she is terrified that something will be missed if her son is not assessed regularly. 

A spokesperson for CHI asked Kfm for Ms Brett's details to contact her but Kfm understands that no contact has been made. 

Ms Brett said she is angry over the response from CHI. 

She referenced a report by Temple Street Children’s University Hospital that detailed how many Irish children with spina bifida are not receiving the recommended annual multidisciplinary reviews due to staffing and resource shortages.

While international best practice calls for yearly clinic assessments with seven key specialists, less than half of children have access to the national MDT clinic — and even among those, not all are seen annually.

The study called for a fully staffed service to ensure equitable, timely care across Ireland.

MDT refers to Multidisciplinary Team — a coordinated group of health professionals from different areas who work together to manage the complex needs of children with spina bifida.