Parents of Deceased Boy Organize Protest for Urgent Healthcare Reform

A demonstration march in Dublin is set to take place on August 23, 2024, in memory of Harvey Morrison Sherratt, a nine-year-old boy who passed away after a lengthy wait for spinal surgery. Harvey died on July 29 due to complications from a severe spinal curvature, a condition he had battled for several years. His parents, Gillian Sherratt and Stephen Morrison, are leading the protest to raise awareness about the ongoing issues surrounding children’s spinal surgery waiting lists in Ireland.

The march will begin at the Garden of Remembrance and proceed to Customs House Quay, with an anticipated turnout that could make it one of the largest demonstrations in Dublin’s recent history. Harvey’s parents have been vocal advocates for adequate healthcare, particularly for children requiring urgent medical attention. In a post on X, Gillian Sherratt urged the public to join their cause, stating: “We would appreciate if you all could join us as we march in protest for #JusticeForHarvey.”

Gillian Sherratt and Stephen Morrison have expressed their determination to continue fighting for better healthcare services. Gillian emphasized that their mission will not waver, declaring, “We’re not going to go away.” She aims for Harvey’s legacy to inspire systemic changes, highlighting the need for children to receive the care they are entitled to.

The demonstration is also supported by disability rights campaigner Bernard Mulvany, who has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help finance the march. Mulvany stated, “Any outstanding funds will be given over to Harvey’s family for them to administer. Please help us to celebrate Harvey’s life and to shine a light on how he and many other children in our society are being failed.”

Parents Gillian and Stephen have called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to reconvene the Dáil from its summer recess to address the crisis in children’s spinal surgery. They are also demanding a public inquiry into the governance of orthopedic services at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI). Following the couple’s calls for accountability, Tanaiste Simon Harris has promised to meet with them. In 2017, when he was serving as Health Minister, Harris had expressed his shame over prolonged waiting lists and pledged that no child would have to wait longer than four months for scoliosis surgery. Tragically, Harvey waited over seven years for his operation.

The significant delays in treatment have raised serious concerns. As of late July, data from CHI revealed that 74 children were still waiting longer than four months for spinal surgery, with an additional 57 children waiting up to three months. Alarmingly, one child had been on the waiting list for more than four years. Nationally, a total of 231 children are awaiting spinal surgeries, with 131 on CHI’s active waiting list at the time of Harvey’s passing.

Harvey’s struggles with scoliosis were severe. His condition worsened to the point where he could not sit for extended periods, as the curvature of his spine began to exert pressure on his heart and lungs. In February 2024, his father highlighted the urgency of Harvey’s situation, stating that without timely surgical intervention, Harvey’s life was at risk. Tragically, despite public pleas for action, Harvey’s name disappeared from the active waiting list without explanation, a situation that Taoiseach Martin described as “shocking” and “not good enough.”

Despite eventually receiving surgery in December 2024, the extent of Harvey’s spinal curve had progressed, making full correction impossible. His health declined rapidly before his death, prompting a renewed outcry for reform in the healthcare system. The parents’ commitment to advocating for healthcare improvements reflects a broader demand for urgent reform, emphasizing that children like Harvey deserve timely and effective medical care.

As the protest approaches, the Morrison and Sherratt families hope to galvanize public support and compel government action to prevent further tragedies in the future.