Parents of children who faced a heightened risk of cancer due to delayed treatment for undescended testes were not informed about a report addressing these concerns, as revealed during a session with the Oireachtas Committee on Health.

Lucy Nugent, the chief executive of Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), explained that parents did not meet the criteria for open disclosure, leaving them unaware of the risks involved.

During the committee meeting, executive and senior clinicians from CHI discussed various issues, including spinal surgeries, a review of hip surgeries, and governance problems within the organization.

Concerns regarding orchidopexy, a surgical procedure for correcting undescended testes, were highlighted in an unpublished report.

Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane expressed shock over the fact that parents were not informed about the risks their children faced, such as fertility issues and cancer, due to delayed treatment.

Despite the existence of alternative treatment options, patients with undescended testes were subjected to extended waiting times, putting them at a real and known risk for future health problems.

Ms. Nugent defended the decision not to publish the report, citing that it was anonymized and lacked clarity.

Furthermore, families were unaware of reports concerning care issues at CHI, including concerns related to oncology.

Mr. Cullinane criticized the lack of transparency, emphasizing the profound impact on affected families.

The committee also discussed a report on waiting list irregularities and a toxic work culture at a CHI hospital, which was not considered for referral to the police.

Ms. Nugent issued an apology to families affected by the governance problems at CHI, acknowledging the shortcomings within the organization.

An audit revealed that surgeries for hip dysplasia in children were performed at lower thresholds at certain hospitals, leading to unnecessary procedures.

Dr. Martin Daly expressed a lack of confidence in the CHI board and management, highlighting the systemic failures that have occurred.

Ms. Nugent became emotional, expressing her concern and acknowledging the gravity of the situation.