Urgent Calls for Change After 9-Year-Old’s Tragic Death

UPDATE: The tragic death of 9-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt after a prolonged wait for spina bifida surgery has ignited urgent calls for reform in Ireland’s healthcare system. Harvey, who died in July following a brief illness, was on a waiting list for three years before receiving surgery last year, only to be removed from that list without his parents’ knowledge.

In a heart-wrenching appearance on RTE’s The Late Late Show, his parents, Stephen and Gillian Sherratt, expressed their devastation and frustration, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartache. They are set to meet with Tanaiste Simon Harris on September 29, 2025, to discuss necessary changes.

“It feels incredibly unjust,” Gillian stated, highlighting the emotional toll of Harvey’s lengthy wait for care. She emphasized, “If Harvey had had timely access to healthcare, we would have more happy memories as a family.” The Sherratts have launched the Justice for Harvey campaign, which has mobilized thousands in Dublin, demanding better care for children with complex medical needs.

Despite recent claims from the head of Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) that wait times for spinal surgery have been reduced to five months, the Sherratts argue that children with complex conditions such as spina bifida still face excessive delays. “The average might be five months, but the sickest kids wait much longer,” Gillian stressed.

They are advocating for a statutory public inquiry into the care practices at CHI, asserting that these measures are crucial to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies. Stephen stated, “We want to see complex children prioritized for their surgeries.”

“Harvey’s not an isolated case,” Gillian added. “Children are being neglected while waiting for necessary surgeries.”

The Sherratts’ calls to action come amid a national crisis in Ireland, where over 106,000 children are currently on hospital waiting lists for various treatments, including 327 children awaiting life-changing spinal surgeries. Recent reports indicate that delays in treatment can lead to irreversible conditions, with some children becoming permanently disabled.

During a recent session in the Dail, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald condemned the government, stating that Harvey was “failed by the Government.” She highlighted that his tragic case is not an isolated incident, urging immediate reforms in the healthcare system.

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has admitted to the systemic failures impacting children waiting for surgeries, echoing the sentiments of families who have suffered due to inadequate healthcare services. The current situation has sparked widespread outrage, with families demanding accountability and swift action from the government.

As Harvey’s parents prepare for their crucial meeting with Simon Harris, they remain resolute in their mission. “We won’t stop until we see real change,” Gillian declared. The Sherratts hope their advocacy will help ensure that no other family has to endure the pain they have faced.

As this story develops, the impact of Harvey’s tragic death continues to resonate across Ireland, shining a stark light on the urgent need for reform in pediatric healthcare.