What happened to 9-year-old Harvey Sherratt?

Harvey Sherratt, a 9-year-old boy with scoliosis and spina bifida, died in July after waiting years for spinal surgery. The curve in his spine worsened from 75 to 130 degrees while he waited for treatment.

What is the Irish government doing in response to Harvey Sherratt's case?

The Irish government has announced plans to launch a public inquiry into the care of children with scoliosis and spina bifida, following the tragic death of Harvey Sherratt. The Tánaiste, Simon Harris, has stated that the government will work closely with families to ensure the terms of reference for the inquiry are properly established.

What was Simon Harris' previous commitment regarding scoliosis treatment in Ireland?

In 2017, Simon Harris, the former Minister for Health, pledged that no child would have to wait more than four months for scoliosis treatment. However, this commitment was not fully realized, leading to unacceptable delays in care and the tragic loss of Harvey Sherratt's life.

Home / Health / Tragic Scoliosis Case Sparks Urgent Inquiry into Children's Healthcare

Tragic Scoliosis Case Sparks Urgent Inquiry into Children's Healthcare

15 Nov

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Summary

Government to launch public inquiry into care of children with scoliosis and spina bifida
9-year-old boy with scoliosis and spina bifida died after waiting years for spinal surgery
Curve in his spine worsened from 75 to 130 degrees while waiting for treatment

Tragic Scoliosis Case Sparks Urgent Inquiry into Children's Healthcare

In a concerning development, the Irish government has announced plans to launch a public inquiry into the care of children with scoliosis and spina bifida. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic death of 9-year-old Harvey Sherratt, who passed away in July after enduring a prolonged wait for critical spinal surgery.

Harvey's parents, Stephen Morrison and Gillian Sherratt, have revealed that during the time he waited for the operation, the curve in his spine had worsened dramatically, increasing from 75 degrees to a staggering 130 degrees. By the time he was finally able to undergo the procedure last December, the damage had become so severe that the curve could not be fully corrected, causing his rib cage to twist around his lungs and heart, severely restricting his breathing.