Following a week of controversy over the findings of malpractice in the HSE’s Temple Street Spinal Clinic, Chief Executive, Bernard Gloster, has released findings showing non-medical springs being used in surgery on children.

During an investigation into the death of one child and serious injury of a number of other children at Temple Street Spinal Clinic, findings have shown that non-medical springs were used in pediatric operations

Three non-medical springs have been used in surgery on more than one child at the Temple Street Clinic in Dublin 1. The springs, purchased from the UK, were bought from a company which have no medical affiliation.

One child still has yet to receive treatment to remove the spring, with the Clinic under “extreme pressure” due to the suspension of the doctor responsible for this malpractice.

Bernard Gloster also emphasised to RTÉ that it would be “impossible to believe” that only one individual could be held responsible for the children’s surgeries. Explaining that medical purchases must be approved on multiple levels within the HSE and the EU, the Chief Executive cites mass levels of negligence on a medical and administrative scale.

The ongoing review is estimated to possibly take over a year to complete which has been met by severe pushback from the victims’ parents. Parents also expressed worry over the lack of responsibilty admitted by the HSE, as the investigation only has focused on the individual practitioner instead of the multiple tiers of command.

Gloster also admitted to the HSE’s significant financial troubles. With overspending at 700 million euro by the end of July, with “substantial assistance” needed to keep the government body afloat into next year.

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