High Court Grants Urgent Injunction Against CHI Dismissal

UPDATE: The High Court has just granted an interim injunction against the dismissal of Anita Little, the business manager overseeing the waiting list for spinal surgeries at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI). This urgent legal ruling comes in light of serious allegations surrounding her dismissal, which she claims was the result of a flawed investigation.

On August 19, 2025, Ms. Little was dismissed under allegations of serious misconduct following her execution of an instruction to remove 10 patients from the waiting list. Her annual salary is approximately €76,500. Ms. Little asserts that the investigation leading to her dismissal was deeply flawed, depriving her of fundamental rights during the disciplinary hearing, including the ability to call witnesses and present evidence in her defense.

In a hearing on Tuesday, Mr. Justice Brian Cregan issued an urgent injunction preventing CHI from proceeding with her dismissal or advertising her position as vacant until further notice. Only Ms. Little’s legal team was present for the application. The case is set to return to the court later this week.

According to her lawyer, Richard Kean SC, CHI refused to provide assurances that Ms. Little would not be dismissed without a fair hearing. He argued that she has been unfairly scapegoated in her role, particularly after following directives to suspend the patients listed.

In her affidavit, Ms. Little detailed the immense pressures she faced since becoming the business manager in January 2024. Continuous meetings involving the Department of Health and the CHI spinal surgeries team highlighted the necessity to manage waiting lists in accordance with the National Treatment Purchase Fund protocol.

Significantly, she stated that in October 2024, Stephen Flanagan, the former deputy chief executive at CHI, raised alarms regarding patients who were potentially improperly listed. Following instructions from Mr. Flanagan and others, Ms. Little suspended the 10 patients. After the suspension, she alleged that her line manager, Ciara Ní Fhlathartaigh, continually undermined her role, leading to an atmosphere of hostility and stress that ultimately caused her to take sick leave.

Ms. Little was informed in February that a formal complaint had been lodged against her by Ms. Ní Fhlathartaigh, leading to a disciplinary process that she contends was unjust.

The implications of this ruling are profound, not just for Ms. Little but for the integrity of the management within CHI. As the case develops, the public and health professionals alike are watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.

Expect further updates as the court reconvenes later this week. This developing story has significant ramifications for the management of healthcare services in Ireland and the treatment of employees within the system.

Stay tuned for more urgent updates.