State ‘completely failed’ boy who died after waiting for scoliosis surgery

The state has “completely failed” a nine-year-old-boy who died in July, Mary Lou McDonald has said.

Harvey Morrison, who suffered from scoliosis, died on July 29.

His parents Gillian Sherratt and Stephen Morrison learned last August that Harvey had been removed from Children Health Ireland’s (CHI) scoliosis waiting list without their knowledge.

After they publicly raised their son’s case, Harvey, from Clondalkin, received spinal surgery last December after waiting for years.

By then, his spinal curve had reached the point where it could not be fully corrected.

While he spent years on a waiting list, his spinal curve caused his rib cage to twist around his lungs and heart, severely restricting his breathing.

Tanaiste Simon Harris made a pledge in 2017 as health minister that no child would wait more than four months for scoliosis treatment.

Harvey’s parents have now called for his resignation.

Sinn Fein president Ms McDonald said she raised the case with Mr Harris in the Dail on September 18 2024.

In a letter to Mr Harris, dated August 11, Ms McDonald said: “At that time, you assured me that you would meet with Harvey’s parents, Gillian and Stephen, to discuss their son’s urgent medical situation. Regrettably, and without explanation, that meeting never took place.

“As you will recall, Harvey was suffering from spina bifida and life-threatening scoliosis.

“This young child moved the hearts of the nation when a video of him struggling to breathe was widely shared.

“His parents fought tirelessly to have him returned to the active waiting list after he was inexplicably and without notification removed from it.”

Ms McDonald said that following Harvey’s surgery last year, his improvement was remarkable.

“His breathing improved, and he began eating solid food for the first time in six years,” she added.

“However, by the time these operations took place, the curvature of his spine was so severe that the outcome was tragically limited compared to what could have been achieved had timely intervention been provided, as per your own stated four-month target.”

Ms McDonald added: “The state has completely failed this bravest, strongest and most courageous boy and his family, first by the intolerable delays in his treatment, and then by your failure to follow through on a commitment made directly to me, and by extension, to them.

“This inaction is both shameful and unacceptable.

“His parents, Gillian and Stephen, demand and deserve an explanation from you as to why you did not take or make the time to meet them, as you promised.

“Considering their unimaginable loss, the least they are owed from you is an honest account of why this promise was broken, and I urge you to meet with them both even at this stage.

“Moreover, they will continue to campaign for all those other children who continue to wait on urgent surgery, and we too in Sinn Fein will continue to advocate for them and hold you and your government to account in this regard.”

On Monday, Mr Harris said that after Harvey’s case was brought to his attention, he contacted that Department of Health and CHI.

He said he sought additional clinical consultations that appropriate clinical care was given.