Overview
- A protected disclosure claims Children’s Health Ireland removed the nine-year-old from the active spinal surgery list after mistakenly classifying him as a palliative patient.
- A Great Ormond Street consultant assessed him in May 2024 as suitable for spine straightening once bone density improved, contradicting the alleged palliative status.
- Harvey underwent surgery in December 2024 but deteriorated eight months later and died on 29 July after nearly three years waiting for scoliosis care.
- The disclosure also describes a culture of fear in CHI, including reported threats to silence staff, and alleges management was told—incorrectly—that the GOSH surgeon agreed he was unfit for surgery.
- His parents, who say they were not told of his removal, are meeting the Health Minister and Tánaiste on Monday to shape the inquiry, while the HSE weighs a review but says it cannot compel CHI records and CHI cites patient confidentiality.