Commission of investigation recommended into spinal care

A Government backed scoping report into the treatment of children with scoliosis and spina bifida at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) has recommended a commission of investigation rather than a public tribunal.

The report recommends that the commission examine four areas including waiting lists, spinal surgery, hip dysplasia and a group of children who were not transferred from Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin to Temple Street after 2008.

It says a commission would primarily carry out its work in private, which it says would be more appropriate given that the issues concerning the medical treatment of children.

It also says this approach may encourage broader participation from families and children who may otherwise be reluctant to take part in the process if it was conducted in public.

The report says a commission would provide a more flexible and less adversarial framework and would be more efficient in terms of time and resources.