Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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894. To ask the Minister for Health whether CHI commissioned any internal investigation since 2020 into orthopaedic waiting-list practices; the details of any such investigations; whether the findings of any such investigation were shared in a timely matter with the CHI board, HSE or the Minister respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34352/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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There have been a number of reviews into orthopaedic services at CHI. These include the Boston Review on Spinal Surgery for Patients with Spina Bifida (published September 2023), the HIQA Review on the use of surgical implants (published April 2025), the Developmental Dysplasia of the hip Audit (published May 2025), and the Nayagam review which is ongoing.

In response to these reviews I have moved to strengthen governance and oversight structures at CHI, by appointing two members of the HSE Board to the Board of CHI.

There has also been a strengthening of the SLA between CHI and the HSE to strengthen operational oversight. Further, there will be increased involvement and support from the Dublin Midlands REO and senior management.

Recognising the need to co-ordinate oversight of the range of matters of focus in CHI in a cohesive fashion, the HSE CEO has established the HSE CHI Improvement Steering Group. This Group will co-ordinate across a number of projects including the implementation of recommendations from completed reviews and upcoming reports.

In relation to any additional internal investigations that CHI may have commissioned over recent years, I have asked the HSE to look into these matters further and provide a direct reply to the Deputy.