Parents of Boy Who Died After Surgery Wait Vow to Continue Fight

The parents of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt, who passed away following a prolonged wait for critical scoliosis surgery, have pledged to continue advocating for better healthcare for children facing life-threatening conditions. Harvey died on July 29, 2024, after a brief illness, sparking a renewed commitment from his family to fight for other children in similar situations.

“We are devastated. Harvey was our rock star, and we will continue to campaign for other children like him,” said his father, Stephen Morrison. His mother, Gillian Sherratt, echoed this sentiment, expressing a desire to honor their son’s memory by pushing for systemic changes in pediatric healthcare.

During the years leading up to Harvey’s passing, his family frequently highlighted the challenges they faced with the healthcare system. Harvey had been waiting for over three years for surgery to correct a severe curvature of his spine, which reached a life-threatening angle of 130 degrees. This condition placed immense pressure on his lungs and heart, leading to significant health complications.

In February 2024, the Morrison-Sherratt family shared a poignant video showing Harvey struggling to breathe due to his condition. This footage not only drew attention to his plight but also brought awareness to the growing waiting lists for children’s surgeries across the nation. Despite their persistent efforts to secure timely treatment, the family faced setbacks, including a shocking revelation last August that Harvey had been removed from Children’s Health Ireland’s active scoliosis surgical waiting list without their knowledge.

In response to their inquiries, Dr. David Moore, an orthopaedic surgeon not directly involved in Harvey’s care, reached out via email to the family, apologizing for the confusion regarding Harvey’s status. He clarified that Harvey was not eligible for surgery abroad but was open to facilitating consultations with two surgeons based in Ireland.

Harvey eventually underwent surgery in December 2023, performed by Professor Damian McCormack, the lead consultant surgeon in pediatric orthopaedic surgery at Temple Street Children’s Hospital. While the procedure alleviated some pressure on his lungs and heart, the curvature of Harvey’s spine had become too severe for complete correction.

On the day of his death, Ms. Sherratt released a heartfelt statement: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that myself and Stephen have to announce that our little rockstar Harvey passed away this morning with us by his side.” The family is now inviting friends and the public to celebrate Harvey’s life during a public cremation service at Newland’s Crematorium Chapel in Dublin on Saturday, August 3, at 13:00.

In their joint tribute to Harvey, his parents wrote, “Words cannot convey the heartbreak we feel in announcing that after a very short illness, our little rockstar passed away in the arms of mum and dad.” They emphasized that Harvey faced more challenges in his short life than many people do, and they described him as the bravest and most courageous boy.

The Morrison-Sherratt family is encouraging attendees of the cremation service to dress in bright colors, reflecting Harvey’s vibrant spirit. They have also requested that mourners consider making a donation to Child Vision in Harvey’s memory, rather than sending flowers.

Harvey is survived by his parents, Gillian and Stephen, as well as his siblings, Lyla and Remy, and a large family network including grandparents and extended relatives. The family’s commitment to advocating for improved healthcare for children continues, emphasizing that their campaign is now more critical than ever.