Mother Demands Justice After Daughter’s Fatal Surgery at Temple Street

UPDATE: A heartbroken mother, Una Baker, is urgently calling for justice after the tragic death of her daughter, Tamara Katie, following a botched spinal surgery at Temple Street Hospital. As the tenth anniversary of Tamara Katie’s passing approaches on December 29, 2025, Baker is determined to seek answers and accountability for what she describes as a catastrophic medical failure.

In an emotional interview with The Irish Sun, Baker recounted the harrowing experience that led to her daughter’s decline. “My world fell apart on December 29, 2015, when Tamara Katie passed away,” she said. “I handed my daughter over to improve her quality of life. Instead, it diminished and decreased her life expectancy with unnecessary pain and suffering.”

Tamara Katie, who suffered from severe disabilities, underwent surgery on December 10, 2010, aimed at alleviating her condition. However, the operation left her with rods protruding from her back and resulted in severe complications, including respiratory failure that ultimately claimed her life five years later. Baker described the aftermath of the surgery as “five years of living hell,” pointing to the alarming development of lumps and labored breathing.

The situation at Temple Street Hospital has drawn intense scrutiny following revelations that unauthorized implantable devices were used in surgeries from 2020 to 2022, affecting three children who underwent treatment for scoliosis. Furthermore, an independent investigation uncovered that 19 children with spina bifida suffered serious complications after surgeries conducted by a single surgeon at the facility.

In light of these findings, Baker is advocating for a full public inquiry into Children’s Health Ireland, the organization overseeing Temple Street. “I want justice for Tamara Katie and all the other kids who have passed,” she stated, emphasizing the need for transparency and answers. “We need to get answers.”

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has commissioned an external review into pediatric care at Temple Street following the tragic death of another child, Dollceanna Carter, which has added fuel to the fire in this troubling scandal.

Baker is also reaching out to other parents who have experienced complications or poor outcomes following spinal surgery for their children. “I feel like we were robbed of a daughter, a sister, and an aunt,” she expressed. “Our home was once full of love, joy, and happiness. Since Tamara Katie’s passing, our home will never again be the home that it was.”

As the date marking Tamara Katie’s death approaches, Baker’s fight for justice is gaining traction. She implores the community for support, urging anyone with similar experiences to come forward. “The least we deserve is answers,” she said, highlighting the urgent need for accountability within the healthcare system.

Children’s Health Ireland has yet to comment on the growing calls for a public inquiry, but the organization has recently apologized for the spinal surgery scandal. As the situation develops, Baker remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice, ensuring her daughter’s story is not forgotten.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.