Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
122. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the progress of the expert panel established to address unnecessary hip dysplasia surgeries on children; the current status of reviews for families impacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28455/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy immediate priority following the publication of the Thomas Audit in May of last year was to ensure that there was clinical follow-up and care for patients who have undergone pelvic osteotomy surgery. Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) clinics have been underway since June of last year. Just over 1,600 patients have had clinical reviews as part of this process.
In relation to retrospective reviews to determine the indications for surgery, an External Expert Panel (EEP) has been established by the HSE. The EEP will assess the appropriateness of the original clinical decision-making for pelvic osteotomy procedures performed in CHI Temple Street and Cappagh Kids between January 2010 and March 2025.
Dr Kishore Mulpuri, a world-renowned Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon from Canada, has been appointed to chair the EEP review. Dr Mulpuri will be joined by 14 international paediatric orthopaedic surgeons. The inaugural meeting of the EEP members took place in February.
There has been ongoing active collaboration with Patient Advocates and the Hip Dysplasia Advocacy Group. These advocates are involved in developing and finalising the terms of reference for the review. The terms of reference are expected to be published before the end of this month.
Correspondence will issue to all stakeholders (including families and surgeons involved in the review) once the terms of reference are published. The formal reviews of the cases by the panel will commence shortly.
