Garda Declines to Investigate CHI Waiting List Report Irregularities

A report detailing potential irregularities in waiting list management and a troubling work culture at a Dublin children’s hospital has been deemed unsuitable for investigation by the Gardaí, according to the Health Service Executive (HSE). The findings of the confidential report, which became public earlier this year, raised serious concerns regarding the environment at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) and the management of funding designated for reducing public waiting lists.

The report, leaked in March 2023, revealed a “toxic” work culture within parts of the CHI hospital, highlighting issues such as bullying and the victimization of trainees. Notably, the document mentioned a consultant who had initiated defamation proceedings against a colleague, indicating a troubling atmosphere among staff. The review characterized CHI’s culture as “broken,” resulting from dysfunctional relationships and challenging behaviours.

Significantly, one of the report’s key findings pointed to potential misuse of funding from the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). This funding is designed to assist patients waiting the longest for treatment by facilitating care in either public or private hospitals. The report alleged that one CHI consultant was referring patients to public weekend clinics funded by the NTPF in an effort to address waiting lists. Notably, this consultant reportedly saw twice as many patients during these weekend sessions compared to his weekday appointments, earning €35,800 for his weekend work.

In response to these allegations, the NTPF temporarily suspended funding to CHI, although it has since resumed. CHI has stated that it is unable to publish the report for legal reasons. Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and senior HSE officials indicated they were unaware of the report until it was leaked.

In June, the HSE referred the findings to Gardaí, prompting a review by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau. On Friday, the HSE announced that it had received confirmation from the Bureau that the matter was considered “not suitable for investigation.” A Garda spokesperson added that after completing their assessment, “no offences have been disclosed,” leading to the conclusion that “no action will be undertaken by An Garda Síochána.”

CHI, which is set to operate the new National Children’s Hospital when it opens, has faced multiple controversies recently, particularly regarding paediatric orthopaedic care. In May, the HSE released an audit on developmental dysplasia of the hip surgeries, revealing that nearly 70 percent of procedures conducted at two hospitals—Temple Street and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh—over a three-year span were unnecessary. Furthermore, an earlier report by the Health Information and Quality Authority criticized the implantation of unlicensed springs into three children with scoliosis, labelling it as “wrong.”

Another investigation by UK expert Selvadurai Nayagam is currently underway to evaluate the outcomes of orthopaedic surgeries at Temple Street. In an effort to enhance governance and oversight within the hospital group, Minister Carroll MacNeill has appointed a number of HSE board members to the CHI board.

In light of these alarming revelations, Lucy Nugent, chief executive of CHI, has publicly apologized to the affected children and families. The hospital group has affirmed its commitment to accepting and implementing recommendations stemming from the recent reviews, aiming to improve the quality of care and workplace culture.

As the situation evolves, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and transparency within CHI, as well as restoring public trust in the healthcare services provided to children.